Chapter 1

Stephanie Callaway’s eyes slowly opened as her blaring alarm beeped repeatedly. She slowly opened her eyes but closed then tightly when the sunlight blinded her. “I hate the morning” she groaned as she slowly sat up and rubbed her face with her hands.

She ran her fingers through her waist length red hair and sighed with agitation when her fingers got caught on a knot. Stephanie growled when the phone beside her began ringing and she immediately grabbed it. She groaned once again as she stretched her arms high over her head, loving the feeling of a nice good morning stretch.

“Hello…” she mumbled as she let herself fall backwards, her head landing on her soft warm pillows. “Hey sleepy head wake up” she heard Glenn Jacobs’s voice over the line. She immediately smiled and giggled at his words.

“I am I am” she replied very unenthusiastically. Glenn laughed and shook his head. “You’re supposed to meet me at the gym in a half hour, I had a feeling you weren’t going to be awake” he said with a soft laugh.

Stephanie sighed and kicked the blankets off her body and bed. “what time is it?” she asked with a moan. “six thirty” Glenn replied. Stephanie whined then laughed softly.

“okay, I’m coming, I’ll be there soon” she said as she finally stood up off her bed. Glenn smiled and replied “okay, don’t forget to bring your gym bag, I’m not takin today easy on ya”.

“ya know just because you own the gym doesn’t mean that you need me to test every single machine” she said with a laugh as she walked around her bed then into the bathroom. “yeah well, I like to make ya sweat” Glenn said with a laugh, internally regretting his words.

The thought of Stephanie working hard on one of his machines with sweat dripping down her body made him want to start to sweat as well. Glenn and Stephanie have been friends for over six years. They met at Glenn’s gym that he owns in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He fell in love with her at first sight but she didn’t exactly do the same. She seemed very interested in him and for that he was grateful. Stephanie did always love his eyes though. She had never seen a man with dark grey eyes with a tint of blue before. They started talking and hanging out, then were absolutely inseparable.

Glenn has told Stephanie many times about his feelings for her and she always loves to hear it. They like to flirt and kiss every now and then, but nothing too serious.

It may not be exactly what Glenn wants, but it sure as hell is amazing when he gets those few seconds to feel his lips on hers or feel her body rub against him in a flirtatious movement. Glenn firmly believes in being persistent, and he would never let Stephanie go.

He wanted to be with her more than anything in the entire world. He loved how much time they spent together because that way he always knew that she was safe.

As long as that little girl was near him, she’d be as safe as she could ever get. However his heart was as vulnerable as possible. But he didn’t care about his feelings or his well being. As long as Stephanie was safe and happy, then nothing else mattered.

“still there Glenny boy?” Stephanie said with her cute little giggle into the phone. “of course, just get your butt ready and get down here” he replied. “yes sir” she said as she saluted the mirror then laughed. Glenn sighed with a smile and shook his head.

“smartass” he mumbled into the receiver. “I know” she said innocently. “see ya in a few” he replied.

“bye babe” she replied before pushing the off button. She leaned out the bathroom door and tossed her phone on her bed before pulling herself back in front of the mirror and grimacing.

“and the Most Beautiful award goes to not me” she mumbled before laughing at her owns words. “people would think I’m insane if they could hear me talking to myself” she said softly as she grabbed her black brush and began brushing out the knots in her hair.

Stephanie grabbed her green spray bottle and wet her hair a bit before continuing to brush it. Once she finished, she grabbed a blue hair tie from next to the sink and tied her hair up in a high pony tail.

Stephanie quickly brushed her teeth and used the bathroom before walking back into her bedroom, then over to her dresser.

She opened it and grabbed her black tight shorts and tight black sports-bra-like top then tossed them on her bed. She stripped off her lilac purple tank top , leaving on her black panties, before grabbing her gym top and sliding it on.

She slid on her black shorts then kneeled on the floor and pulled her gym bag out from underneath her bed. She placed it on the bed and unzipped it before grabbing a water bottle out of the mini refrigerator that was placed beside her bed on the floor.

She tossed the water bottle in the bag then hurried back over to her dresser and pulled out a pair of tight blue jeans ripped on both knees, a tight black tank top, and a black bra.
She shoved everything in the bag before zipping it up and grabbing a pair of socks from her sock drawer.

She slid them on then grabbed her white Nike sneakers out from under her bed and tied them on tight before heading towards the bedroom door. She grabbed her keys to her jet black Dodge four-by-four truck off her dresser then ran out of her room, down a the hall beside the railing then turned and hurried down the stairs.

She stopped in the kitchen to grab her purse before walking out the front door and locking it.

_GA_googleAdEngine.createDOMIframe('google_ads_div_Thread_Top_Medium_Rectangle' ,'Thread_Top_Medium_Rectangle');Chapter 2

Glenn leaned against the wall of his gym as he watched lots of the usual morning comers work on their usual routines. “where is she…” Glenn mumbled to himself as he glanced at the clock on the wall, running his right hand over his smooth shaved head.

It was five after seven, but Glenn knew not to worry yet. Stephanie wasn’t always the best on being on time, but he would never want it to change. Finally when the clock made its way to seven fifteen, Stephanie pushed the gym door open with her backside then walked in and turned around.

She had her black sunglasses on, gym bag hanging on her right shoulder, a cardboard cup holder in her left hand with two cups of Dunkin Donuts coffee, and a bag of donuts in her right hand.

“hey sexy” she said with a smile as she walked over to him and handed him the coffee. Glenn shook his head with a smile as he watched the redhead go on. “I got you a glazed donut and a jelly one” she said with a smile as she lifted her sunglasses onto the top of her head.

“coffee and donuts?” Glenn questioned. “yeah why not, it’s the best breakfast” she replied. Glenn grabbed the bag of donuts then tossed them into the garbage beside him along with the coffee.

“HEY, you own me six dollars and thirty one cents now” she protested, “now what am I supposed to eat.” Glenn crooked a finger at her and lead her over to the refrigerator with the clear doors and opened it.

“drink this” he said as he tossed her a can of something. “an energy shake?” Stephanie groaned as she put her free hand on her hip. “yes, no junk food while your around me workin out” Glenn warned. Stephanie sighed and stuck her tongue out him.
Glenn immediately leaned forward and licked her tongue before she slid it back inside her beautiful, sweet mouth. Stephanie smirked evilly and smacked Glenn on the arm.

“you’re bad” she said with a soft laugh before opening the shake and taking a few gulps. “now when your finished with that we’ll start with upper body including chest, biceps, triceps, deltoids and forearms, then shoulders, down to abs, then hamstrings, quads, and calves” Glenn explained as he pointed out every part he mentioned.

Stephanie nodded and replied “sounds good to me”. “okay, give me your bag and I’ll go put it with my stuff in my locker…start stretching while your waiting” Glenn said as he extended his hand. Stephanie slid her bag off her shoulder and handed it to him.

“thanks hun” she said with a smile before she downed the rest of her shake then faced the room and squatted down, doing lunges to stretch her legs then standing and stretching out her arms. Glenn walked into the locker room and locked up Stephanie’s bag with his.

‘God that woman is going to be the death of me’ Glenn thought to himself as he took a seat on the wooden bench. He closed his eyes to try and calm himself, but all he could think about was the tiny taste he got of Stephanie’s delicious bubble-gum tongue.

All he wanted to do was take that girl in his arms and taste every inch of her mouth while she tasted his. “STOP” Glenn shouted to himself, snapping his eyes open.

Glenn sighed and shook his head as he stood up. “just cool it for now, flirt later, get tough and work out now” he said to himself before walking out of the room. “did you get lost?” Stephanie asked with a laugh when she saw Glenn come out.

“yeah, I got lost at my own gym” Glenn said sarcastically with a smile. Stephanie laughed and wrapped her arm around Glenn’s waist. “well, it’s okay don’t worry, I’m with you now, we’re gonna walk over to the machines now…are you sure you’re not afraid, wanna hold my hand?” Stephanie asked, trying with everything she had not to laugh.

Glenn smirked down at her and shook his head. “no, but how about I throw ya on a treadmill and put it on full speed” Glenn retorted. Stephanie busted out laughing at Glenn’s words then squealed when Glenn started tickling her sides.

“okay okay, let’s just get started” Stephanie said breathlessly as she calmed down.

Glenn carefully but forcefully lead Stephanie through a nice hard workout, not letting her stop on one machine and until she practically begged him to help her.

Glenn tossed a towel over Stephanie’s head as she sat, resting on the bench press. “good job, next time work harder” Glenn said as he held a water bottle for her.
“harder? I thought that was maximum hardness of working” Stephanie exclaimed as she wiped her face with the towel then let it hang around her neck. Glenn chuckled and handed her the water then replied “that was hard, but your gonna get better and be able to work harder”.

Stephanie glanced a the clock and saw it was almost noon. “want to go get some lunch?” Stephanie asked as she stood up and tightened her pony tail. “sounds good to me” Glenn replied.

“hey Jake we’re gonna go get some lunch” Glenn called over to his friend. “I got you covered” Jake replied with a salute. Glenn laughed softly, “I always trust this place in his hands…so what are you in the mood to eat?” Glenn asked as he lead Stephanie into the locker room.

“a nice crispy chicken salad sounds really good right about now” Stephanie replied as she took a seat on the bench while Glenn unlocked their belongings. “I’m just going to jump in the shower, I promise I’ll be quick” Stephanie said as she kicked off her sneakers and slid her towel off her neck, carrying it with her to the showers.

Glenn nodded and replied “take your time, don’t worry about it”. He watched her walk into the shower room and sighed softly, a smile still on his lips as he finished getting their bags.

Stephanie reached into one of the showers and turned on the water full blast, purring when the nice cool water ran over her hand. “perfect” she said softly before sliding off her top, then discarding the rest of her clothing.

She carefully untied her hair, letting her long red locks flow over her back and shoulders. She pushed the curtain more open then stepped into the shower and pulled the curtain back, sealing herself from the rest of the room.

“mmmm” she moaned as the water soaked her entire body, relieving her aching muscles. She moved around under the cold water for a few minutes before turning the water to hot. Stephanie smiled as the hot water warmed her body.

Glenn closed his eyes when he heard the water turn on and the curtain shut, knowing now that Stephanie was in all her naked glory letting water pour all over her.

“when will you ever stop” Glenn mumbled as he looked down at the crotch of his shorts. “full of hormones” he muttered as he moved over towards the entrance to the other room.

“Steph, I’ll meet you out near the front desk, you don’t have to rush” Glenn called into the room. “okay hun, I’ll be out soon” Stephanie called back to Glenn. She moved around in the water for a little bit longer before she decided it was enough.
“that’s about a good ten minutes, my muscles should be good now” Stephanie said softly to herself as she turned off the water. She rang her hair out in the shower then stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel.

Stephanie walked back into the locker room and swiftly dried off her body and dressed in her jeans, tank top, and her sneakers. She brushed her hair out and tied it back up in a pony tail.

Stephanie shoved her gym outfit in her bag then zipped it and hurried out to Glenn. “sorry I took so long” she apologized as she hurried over to him. He smiled and shook his head.

“you barely took any time, don’t worry about it” Glenn reassured her as he held the front door open for her. Stephanie smiled innocently and walked through then turned to him.

“I’ll just ride with you in your SUV, we can come get my truck later” Stephanie said as she followed Glenn over to his red SUV.

“that’s fine, we’ll come back after lunch then I’ll let you go. I have to stay here for the rest of the day because I have a few trainings to do with a few of the usuals that come in” Glenn replied as they made it to the car and he opened the passenger side door for her.

She nodded and climbed in then waited for Glenn to walk around and get into the drivers seat. “that’s fine, I have to use a few rolls of film around the house, garden, and backyard then I have to write a few chapters of my novel” Stephanie said as they both buckled there seatbelts and Glenn turned on the car.

Glenn backed out of the parking lot then pulled into traffic then started heading towards the diner down the street. “how’s the story coming along?” Glenn asked with a smile, “last time I read it was getting to the good part”.

Stephanie smiled and replied “yeah, it’s getting really good, I should be able to finish it with another ten chapters I’d say”.

Stephanie was a published author and was already finishing her third book that was next in line for publishing. She also was a photographer. Magazines, different companies, and also just regular customers like friends and other people, that have heard of her, buy her pictures.

She mainly works with landscaping photographs and flowers, anything that was attractive or told a story. “that’s great Steph” Glenn said with a smile, being very proud of her.

They drove for a little while longer before pulling into the diner. Glenn parked the SUV in the parking lot then got out and walked around it. He opened up Stephanie’s door and she thanked him as she got out. Stephanie slipped her arm around Glenn’s waist before walking into the diner.

Chapter 3

When they walked inside they immediately said hello’s to everyone before taking there usual seat in a booth near the back of the room. A young waitress came walking up to the table with a pretty little smile on her face.

She had short blonde hair and was a pretty petite girl. She had on her waitress outfit, tight blue jeans, a black T shirt, and a white apron tied around her waist. “hey Liz” Stephanie said with a smile as Liz placed menus in front of them.

“hey there darlin, I still say you two are adorable together” Liz said with an innocent smile as she took her pen and pad of paper out of her apron. Stephanie smirked and gave her a warning look, making Liz giggle. Glenn glanced over at Stephanie and smiled softly, just watching her interact with her friend.

“your too much” Stephanie said as she shook her head and picked up her menu. “thank you, but don’t you think I’ve already noticed that?” Liz said with a smile and questioning look. Stephanie laughed and looked over at Glenn.

“you can order first babe” Stephanie said as she placed her menus down on the table. Glenn shook his head and said “nope, ladies first”. Stephanie smiled and said “okay, I’ll have a large crispy chicken salad with ranch dressing and a large ice tea”.

Liz wrote down everything she said then looked at Glenn. “and for you honey?” she asked Glenn. Glenn handed his menus to her and replied “I’ll have the same thing Steph’s having”.

Liz noted Glenn’s words then said “okay, everything will be done soon” before walking back into the kitchen. “so what’s up for the summer?” Stephanie asked Glenn as she leaned forward, resting on her elbows. Glenn smiled and replied “well, pretty much I’ll be spending all my time at the gym, and my days off I’ll be with you”.

Stephanie giggled, feeling special that Glenn loves hanging out with her so much. “sounds good to me, I love my job, just sitting at home and writing my stories, doing what I love” Stephanie said with a smile as she looked into Glenn’s eyes.

“hey, I forgot to ask you, the fair that they have every year over near the fire house is in a few months, would you care to join me that night?” Glenn asked with an innocent smile. Stephanie smiled and laid her hands over Glenn’s.

“I’d love to, I never like going to those things alone” Stephanie replied. Glenn had a big smile on his face and turned his hands over, taking Stephanie’s into his. “great” Glenn said, still smiling from ear to ear.

They talked for a while about family, friends, and careers before there food arrived. “here you are dolls” Liz said as she set there drinks down then placed there lunch in front of them.

They both poured ranch dressing all over there salad, Stephanie more than Glenn, then took there first bite. Stephanie moaned at the taste. “lord this food is always delicious” she said after she swallowed. Glenn nodded in agreement as he took another bite.

“always” he said after swallowing his own food. They talked a bit as they ate, then Glenn looked up at her as he took a few gulps of his ice tea. “Steph…would I be able to come over later after the gym closes? I need to talk to you about something important” Glenn said, seriousness running through his eyes.

“of course, what time does it close tonight?” Stephanie asked, becoming a bit concerned. “midnight” Glenn said as he winced. “it’s okay hun, that’s not bad at all, just come on over” Stephanie said with a smile.

“perfect” Glenn stated “don’t worry about it though, it’s nothing bad, just important”. Stephanie nodded and continued eating her food, her mind beginning to wonder as to what Glenn had to talk to her about.

They continued eating until they finished then just sat back and drank there ice tea. “if you want you can talk to me about whatever it is now” Stephanie offered before taking another sip. Glenn shook his head and replied “no, not here, it’s something I just need to tell you, but…I wouldn’t want to tell you here”.

Stephanie nodded, “okay, no problem hun”. Glenn nodded and finished his ice tea right before Stephanie. “here’s the bill guys, how was everything?” Liz asked as she walked over and placed the bill on the table.

“delicious” Glenn and Stephanie said simultaneously, making the three laugh softly. “great, I’ll see you guys later” she said with a smile and a soft wave before turning and heading back to the kitchen.

Glenn picked up the bill and read it before setting it back down and grabbing his wallet from his back pocket. He removed a twenty then slid it inside the bill fold. “all set?” Glenn asked.

“let’s roll” Stephanie said as she grabbed her purse and stood up. They walked out to Glenn’s SUV and got in, Glenn making sure Stephanie had her seatbelt on. Glenn drove them back to the gym so Stephanie could get her truck and they said there goodbyes for now.

“I’ll see you at the house” Stephanie said to Glenn as she gave him a nice tight hug. Glenn held her tightly and kissed the top of her head. “see ya at home” he replied with a smile as he released her before taking a few steps back then turned and walked into the gym, never letting his eyes leave Stephanie.

She climbed into her truck and buckled up before leaving the parking lot and driving towards her home.

Chapter 4

Stephanie lived out of town, out where the acres of green grass were found along with hundreds of trees. Stephanie liked to say she lived out in the middle of no where.

She smiled as she pulled into her drive way and shut off the car. Stephanie loved her house, everything that was inside was what she put in there with her own money. That made everything more special.

She owned a white raised-ranch house with baby blue shudders. The front of the house has white stairs leading up onto the porch. To the left of the stairs sat a two person couch swing.

The cushions were white with pink, yellow, and blue little flowers randomly placed as well as green vines swirling all around the flowers. The house contained a beautiful old fashion kitchen, very spacious, perfect for someone who planned on cooking a lot, which Stephanie was always doing.

The large living room and dining room had a very open look, making an easy flow for crowds of people during entertaining. The living room had a large white leather couch and matching love seat along with a Toshiba sixty two inch television.

In front of the couch was a wooden oak table with a glass top which was usually where Stephanie left a few of her notebooks and pens and a few of her already published books.

The dining room had a white Trellis Dinning Table, two White Trellis Arm Chairs, and four White Trellis Side Chairs. Also, up against the wall stood a tall white cabinet with glass doors.

Inside were different types of antique china sets, including cups, plates, spoons and forks, all showing off there amazing designs and the beautiful craftsmanship. A large pass-thru connected the kitchen and dining room.
The master bedroom, which of course belonged to Stephanie, was located at the opposite end of house from other bedrooms for privacy. Stephanie was one that always loved her privacy.

The walls were a whitish-tan and the furniture was all made of oak wood. The bedroom set contained a queen platform bed, triple dresser, and landscape mirror. The backboard of the bed was black with oak wood outlining. The bed sheets were white with a light tan comforter.

Also there was a bedside table where a light sat, making it easy for Stephanie to read and write in bed. There was a few lights placed around the room, sitting on top of her dresser and her desk. In the far right corner of the room sat an oak wood desk with a computer on top of it.

It had a slide out platform for the keyboard and three sliding drawers where Stephanie kept important papers and books. On the wall opposite of the bed there was a window with a window seat in front of it.

Stephanie always loved to sit on the soft cushion and look outside the window, writing or reading or sometimes just listening to music and relaxing. The master bathroom had a huge tub with jets in it and a separate shower on the opposite side of the room.

The tub was made of porcelain and had a faucet that Stephanie adored. It was a wide, skinny faucet, the opening a long rectangle and the water would pour out of it and slide down the side of the tub to fill it instead of hitting the bottom of the tub immediately.

She loved to lay in the tub and watch the water, just let her mind space out as she watched it, helping her think, let go of reality. It especially helped her use her imagination to think of new story ideas. There are two other bedrooms in the house for guests and an attic.

Stephanie sighed as she climbed out of her truck and made sure to lock it. “home” she said softly to herself as she walked up the steps to the door and unlocked it.

Stephanie walked inside and closed the door behind her before walking into the kitchen and setting her purse on the counter. She walked over to the sink and grabbed a cup from the cabinet above then pour herself a glass of water.

“time to write” she said to herself before downing the cup of water as she made her way into the living room. Stephanie sighed as she sat down on the couch, setting her glass on the coffee table in front of her.

She kicked off her shoes before folding her legs into an Indian style then pick up her black inked pen and her notebook. Stephanie refused to use any other kind of ink besides black.

She started writing when she was a little girl, about fourteen or fifteen years old and she always used black ink, so she wanted to keep that little tradition alive.

The story she was writing now was about a girl who had everything she ever wanted in her life, but was attacked by a mysterious man and got amnesia. She went through everything to get her memory back but then she eventually remembered that it was her husband who hurt her and caused her memory loss.

Stephanie loved writing romance stories with wild twists of excitement in them. It always seemed as though in every story Stephanie ever wrote, there was always some type of violence in them.

She never meant to always write about terrible things, it just came naturally. She was amazing when it came to writing about happy things but also wonderful when it came to writing about violence or things to that effect.

Stephanie chewed on the end of her pen as she stared at the floor, thinking of what comes next. “THAT’S IT” she shouted with a huge smile before squealing and giggling then writing as fast as her mind and hand would let her.

She always got excited when she thought of an idea, especially one that just seemed so perfect. It didn’t take long for Stephanie to get another few chapters written, a few hours at the most. She glanced at the clock and noticed it was almost five o’clock.

“nice timing” she said to herself before closing her notebook and setting it down on the coffee table along with her pen. “what’s for dinner” she wondered aloud as she made her way to the kitchen.

Stephanie opened up the refrigerator but sighed when nothing appealed to her, she tried the freezer but knew it was pointless. “ah ha” she said with a smile when an idea perked in her head. She walked over to the pantry door and opened then looked around inside.

“there you are” she said before grabbing a box of Ziti noodles and a jar of Ragu sauce. She walked back out and closed the door then set the items on the counter. Stephanie ended up making pasta with sauce as well as crushed hamburger and parmesan cheese.

She set her food down in the living room then hurried back to the kitchen for her soda and a napkin. “all set” she said as she sat down on the couch and grabbed the remote.

She turned on the television and flipped through the channels before stopping on The Drew Carey Show, her favorite show. It was the episode where Winfred Louder said they were going to move Drew’s house to the lake.

Stephanie kept laughing throughout the episode but still managed to eat her dinner. When she finished eating she realized it was six o’clock. She stood up and brought her dishes into the kitchen then loaded them in the dish washer.

“I think a little nap is in order” Stephanie said to herself as she walked back into the living room. She turned off the television then quickly jotted down a note to Glenn and taped it to the outside of the front door.

She walked up the stairs, down the small hallway then turned into her bedroom. Stephanie was about to change into a big t-shirt to take her nap but then glanced at the bathroom.

“I think a shower is necessary first” she said softly to herself before walking into the bathroom. She closed the door and walked over to the sink then looked at herself in the mirror before sliding her shirt off along with her pants, bra, and panties, tossing them to the side.

She then slid her hair out of her pony tail, letting it flow against the smooth milky skin of her shoulders and back. Stephanie glanced at herself in the mirror, letting her eyes trail over the freckles that spotted her skin on her arms and some on her face, making her seem more innocent in some peoples eyes.

She always loved her freckles because it made her different than everyone else, and she always wanted to be different. Stephanie wasn’t one to follow the crowd and copy anyone.

She walked over to the tub and turned on the water, letting the hot water begin to fill up the tub. She carefully climbed in and sat down, resting her head against the pillow attached to the tub, her arms up laying on the edge. She sighed and lifted her head, her eyes falling on the faucet, watching the water as it poured into the tub.

“she looked into the eyes of her husband, realizing that it was him” Stephanie whispered to herself, “ ‘it’s you’ Laura whispered as she stared into the same cold eyes she fell in love with five years ago. ‘I guess you remember then’ Kevin said with a smirk on his face. Laura’s eyes widened. She was in complete and utter shock. The man that she has loved for years and years is the same man that tried to kill her”.

Stephanie’s eyes slowly blurred as she continued whispering and staring at the water. She didn’t come back to reality until she felt the water coming up around her chest.

Stephanie shook her head as her vision came back and she leaned forward, turning the knobs to shut off the water. She slowly slid back into her spot and laid her head back on the pillow.

“what would he have to talk to me about?” Stephanie wondered out loud with a sigh. She sighed softly as she let her mind wonder. Glenn is a very deep man when it comes to the character of his personality, so the possibilities were endless.

“I hope there’s nothing wrong with him” Stephanie whispered, a worried feeling and expression taking over her face and body. “Glenn’s the most in-shape guy I’ve ever met” Stephanie whispered to herself, ruling out that something was wrong with his health.

“it’s better not to wonder and just wait until he gets here” Stephanie said as she ran her right hand fingers through her hair. Stephanie sighed and grabbed a black remote, about four inches long, from the side of the tub and pushed the power button. The CD player on the other side of the room turned on, immediately being on the country station.

“I’ll listen to that later” she said as she pushed the CD2 button. “So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin began blasting through the speakers which were perched in each ceiling and wall corner of the room.

Stephanie laid her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes, imagining her story. A violent scene between the husband and wife began rolling through her mind, playing out how she should write it.

The struggling was so real and the screams and cries echoed in her ears. Before she knew it, the scene was over. Stephanie sighed and looked around the bathroom.

“I’m finished in here, time for a nap” she said as she leaned forward turned a silver knob, opening the drain to let the water flood away. She quickly bathed and rinsed off before climbing out of the tub and wrapping a towel around herself. Stephanie made sure to turn off the CD player then walked out of the bathroom into her bedroom.

“seven o’clock” she said to herself as she glanced at the clock, “perfect”. She moved over to her dresser and grabbed a pair of white lace panties and a big white T-shirt and slid them both on before wrapping her damp hair up in the towel.

“nap” Stephanie mumbled to herself as she walked over to the bed and plopped down on it with a heavy sigh. She giggled to herself before untwisting her hair and rubbing it dry.

She tossed the towel into the bathroom then laid down on her bed, cuddling her face into her pillow. Stephanie pulled only the thin bed sheet over her body then reached over and turned off the light before laying back down and falling into a peaceful sleep.

*~*

Glenn walked up to the front door of Stephanie’s house and was about to knock on the door when he remembered what time it was. He smiled as he pulled a key from his coat pocket and unlocked the door.
“definitely sleeping” he whispered to himself as he shut the door behind him. He hung his coat up on the coat rack beside the door and kicked off his shoes before heading up the stairs towards Stephanie’s bedroom. Glenn leaned against he door jam as he watched his angel sleep.

“what I wouldn’t give to lay right there next to ya and hold ya in my arms” he whispered as his eyes ran over her delicate small form covered by only a thin blanket.

Glenn walked in and silently closed the door then walked over and gingerly sat on the bed beside her. “Stephanie” Glenn whispered. She didn’t respond. He smiled and rested his hand on her smooth soft shoulder, gently shaking her.

“Stephanie” he whispered once more, “wake up sweetheart, it’s Glenn”. Stephanie’s eyes closed a bit tighter before opening and blinking twice. “Glenn?” she whispered as she turned over onto her back, rubbing her hands over her face.

“yeah it’s me sweetie” Glenn replied with a sweet smile. Stephanie smiled softly as she looked up into his eyes. She pulled herself up into a sitting position then leaned over and flicked the bedside table light on.

“so, what’s going on? I’ve been going crazy all day trying to figure out what you would have to talk to me about” Stephanie asked as she crossed her legs and laid her hands in her lap. Glenn slid back, pulling himself fully onto the bed, sitting with one leg bent in and the other bent up, making a triangle. Glenn rested his elbow on his knee and sighed softly.

“well…there’s a certain relative of mine coming to visit tomorrow, and he’ll be spending a lot of time around me for a while. I guess I just wanted to prepare ya for him” Glenn explained. Stephanie flashed him a confused look and asked “why would you have to prepare me for a relative?”.

Glenn bit his bottom lip, searching for the right words. “well…” he began before stopping and sighing heavily. He rubbed his face with his hands and sighed once more. “whatever it is you can tell me Glenn” Stephanie reassured as she rested her hand on Glenn’s unoccupied knee. Glenn smiled and nodded.

“I know honey, I know…okay, the truth is…the relative that’s coming, is my brother…my…twin…brother” Glenn finally spat out. Stephanie giggled softly and patted Glenn’s knee.

“that’s a good one, now seriously, who’s coming?” she asked. Glenn resumed biting his bottom lip while looking straight into Stephanie’s eyes, watching as the amusement melted away into seriousness. “you’re…serious” Stephanie spoke softly. Glenn only nodded.

“oh my god…why didn’t you tell me before that you had a twin brother?” she exclaimed. “I didn’t think it would matter…he never was gonna come here and see me or anything, so I figured he wasn’t relevant” Glenn explained. Stephanie ran her fingers through her long hair then dropped it to the bed.

“a twin brother” Stephanie repeated to herself. She glanced up and smiled at him. “as if one of you isn’t enough” Stephanie stated with a giggle. Glenn smiled and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’m so glad you understand” he stated with a smile.

“of course, it’s not like I can make him vanish, so I’ll just have to learn to share you” she said with a giggle. Glenn just watched her, seeing her eyes twinkle as she laughed. “ya never have to share me with anybody” Glenn stated softly. Stephanie’s smile softened, studying Glenn’s, almost silver, eyes.

“are you worried about something?” she asked softly. Glenn tried as best as he could to hide his worries behind a smile. “not that I know of…oh, by the way, his name is Kane” Glenn replied. Stephanie smiled with a nod, “Kane? Kane Jacobs? Wow, that’s a really interesting name”.

Glenn nodded and sighed softly. “You better get to bed, he’s coming tomorrow, so he’ll probably be there when you come. Remember, just because he’s coming does not mean you skip a day at the gym” Glenn said with a smile. Stephanie laughed as she tilted her head back, then slid down into a laying position, her head on her pillow.

“You’re too much” she said with a giggle. Glenn smiled and leaned over, placing a soft kiss on Stephanie’s forehead. “Go to sleep Miss Giggle” he said with a soft chuckle. Stephanie smiled softly but let it fall from her face when Glenn began to get up off the bed.

“You’re not leaving are you?” she asked quizzically. Glenn turned back to her and replied “yeah, I’m gonna let you go to sleep”. Stephanie shook her head as she pushed the covers off her then stood off the bed.

Glenn licked his lips subtly as his eyes scanned quickly over her body. He always loved when she wore big t-shirts and her panties, it made her look so sexy, so feminine, so irresistible. He thought of Stephanie as one of those women who could take glamor shots in jeans and a shirt.

“You are sleeping here, it’s late and I don’t want you driving” she stated as she took Glenn’s hands in hers and lead him back to the bed. “I live right down the street” Glenn said with a soft laugh. Stephanie smirked at him and shook her head once again.

“I know that but you are not going out there, your sleeping with me, end of story” she finalized. Glenn smirked mischievously and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Ya forcin me to come to bed with ya, are ya?” he stated as he slowly slid his hands down her back, heading for her backside. Stephanie stopped his hands when they were as close as they could get and smirked up into his eyes.

“In the mood to be naughty?” she asked with a giggle as she wiggled her eyebrows. He smirked and removed his hands from her before gently shoving her onto the bed, making her laugh as she bounced.

Glenn chuckled softly and laid down on the bed, covering her body with his. Stephanie smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. Glenn kissed her lips softly then look into her eyes before pressing them to hers once more. Stephanie simply parted her lips and slid her tongue to meet Glenn’s that already sought hers.

She moaned softly as their tongues massaged one another’s in each others mouths. Glenn slowly broke the kiss then kissed her lips quickly once more. “Your alright with us doing things like this?” Glenn asked, wanting to make sure he wasn’t stepping over any boundaries.

Stephanie smiled and nodded her head. “I like doing this...two friends comfortable enough with each other to be able to make out or touch each other and be mature about it is always a good thing” she replied. Glenn smiled and kissed her forehead lovingly before rolling off of her and sitting up, his feet on the floor.

“Let me get undressed and then we’ll get to bed” Glenn stated before standing up and kicking off his shoes and socks, placing them beside the bedside table so no one would trip over them. Glenn then slid off his black t-shirt then slid off his jeans and placed them near his shoes.

“Cute boxers” Stephanie said with a soft giggle as she scanned her eyes over him. He chuckled softly and walked over to the opposite side of the bed as Stephanie’s. He slid onto the soft comforter then got settled and pulled the sheets over him.

Stephanie smiled and turned over, facing Glenn, as he laid down and gave her one of those beautiful smiles Glenn was famous for. “Did you get a lot of writing done today?” he asked softly. Stephanie smiled and nodded.

“Definitely, I had the greatest idea and I just took off with it” she replied. Glenn smiled and replied “that’s great sweetie, now we should get to bed”. Stephanie nodded before turning over and flicking off the bedside lamp.

“Night sweetheart” Glenn whispered as he tenderly stroked her hair. Stephanie smiled softly and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his lips, then laid her head on his chest. “Night angel” she replied softly.

Glenn smiled and wrapped his arms around her, cuddling her closer to him. ‘Well if I can’t have her, this will definitely work’ Glenn thought as he watched her eyes close and felt her slowly drift off to sleep. He sighed softly before closing his eyes and letting sleep over take him.

Chapter 5

Glenn’s eyes slowly flickered open and was met by sound of the shower running. He glanced around the room and didn’t see Stephanie anywhere, so it was easy to put two and two together.

Glenn sat up and pushed the covers aside before standing up and stretching his arms high above his head. He then walked over to the bathroom door and knocked softly.

“C’mon in” Stephanie called, “I’m not in yet”. Glenn opened the door and smiled at her as he walked in. “Morning sexy” Stephanie said with a joyful smile as she hung a fluffy white towel on the towel rack.

“Morning beautiful, it’s a good habit to take showers in the morning, don’t lose that” Glenn said as he walked over to the sink and turned the faucet on. He splashed a few handfuls of cold water on his face before wiping it with a small towel beside the sink.

“Well what if I just happened to change my mind” Stephanie said with a soft giggle once Glenn turned to face her. She ran both hand fingers through her hair then smoothed it out of her face slowly. Glenn tried desperately to control his body as he watched her.

“Well then I’d do this” Glenn retorted before picking her up in his arms and placing her in the tub underneath the shower head. The water immediately began soaking Stephanie completely, making her white t-shirt cling to her body. Glenn’s eyes widened as he watched her and he couldn’t help but turn away.

“Steph, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that” Glenn apologized as he rubbed his face with his hands. Stephanie smiled as she placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.

“Glenn, don’t worry about it, ooh wow your gonna see me practically naked, it’s not gonna kill me” she replied. Glenn still faced his back to her so Stephanie smoothed her hair out of her face, then peeled her soaked shirt over her head before tossing it at Glenn’s feet. Glenn’s eyes fell on the shirt and he felt himself reacting to the thought of Stephanie, standing behind him underneath hot steamy water.

“You’re trying to kill me” Glenn said in a deep husky voice. Stephanie giggled and replied “nah, just drive you crazy”. Glenn laughed with a nod. “Yeah well your doing a damn good job” he said as he looked down at his boxers, his excitement clearly visible. Glenn took slow deep breaths as he started to calm himself then turned around and smirked at her.

“You shower, I’ll just wait ‘til your done” he said with a smirk as he crossed his arms over his chest. Glenn licked his lips subtly as he watched the water run over her perfect body.

Her perfectly rounded breasts were being immersed in the hot water that ran down her flat stomach, along with her sparkling belly ring that dangled at the perfect length, then slid down over her tiny waist and disappeared over her panties that she still wore.

“Would you like to join me?” Stephanie asked with an innocent smile as she leaned her back against the cold tile wall. Glenn’s eyebrows raised in question at her words.

“Really...” Glenn stated with a smirk, “so if I just slid my clothes off and hopped in there, you wouldn’t kill me for it?”. Stephanie smirked and shook her head. “Nope” she replied. Glenn bit his bottom lip and pondered what he should do.

“Do you realized that I have no control over what happens if I come in there?” Glenn asked. Stephanie smiled softly and nodded, “yes, I realize that...I don’t want you to have control Glenn”. Glenn smirked and sighed heavily.

“Why do you always seem to be in this kind of mood when we need to be somewhere in a short amount of time?” Glenn asked as he took a few slow steps closer to the tub. Stephanie smiled and giggled softly, “just your luck I guess”.

“well that’s about to change” Glenn stated with an evil smirk before sliding off his boxers and stepping into the tub. Stephanie then slid her soaked panties off and tossed them near her shirt before pulling the shower curtain closed. “How’s the view?” Glenn asked with a sly smile.

“Very yummy” she replied with a soft giggle. Glenn chuckled softly and kissed her forehead softly as he cautiously slid his hands down her arms. Stephanie smirked up into his eyes and tenderly laid her hands on his chest then slid them down, caressing his muscular body. Glenn licked his lips as he looked down at her, watching her every move.

“You have no idea how bad I want you Stephanie” Glenn whispered. Stephanie smiled softly and slid her right hand down his stomach and abdomen, brushing her hand against his erection. Glenn groaned softly at the feel of her tiny hand brushing him, making him want more.

Glenn gripped her shoulders suddenly and pressed her back against the wall a bit forcefully. Stephanie was taken back for a moment, but then smiled and licked her lips a bit unsubtle.

Glenn’s breathing became a bit heavier as he let his eyes scan over her body, glazed with steaming water. Glenn then lifted her up under her arms and pulled her against him, Stephanie immediately wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

“I need you” Glenn whispered before capturing Stephanie’s lips in a fierce passionate kiss, parting her lips to taste her sweet mouth. Stephanie whimpered as she slid her tongue into Glenn’s mouth, letting there tongues tangle. Glenn growled loudly when Stephanie ground her hips into him, making his erection rub against her naked sex.

“I want you inside me Glenn” Stephanie whimpered as she held Glenn closer. He immediately did as she said and held her against the wall as he used his right hand to guide himself into her body. Stephanie shrieked out in pleasure at the feel of Glenn’s thick erection sliding inside her for the first time.

“Oh god, your so tight Steph” Glenn groaned as he sheathed himself fully inside her. Glenn grabbed her hips and began thrusting into her at a moderate pace, pressing Stephanie’s back harder against the wall.

“Harder Glenn, oh god...fuck me baby” Stephanie whimpered loudly as she gripped Glenn’s shoulders tightly, her nails digging into his skin. Glenn’s thrusts picked up in pace. He slammed into her harder and faster, making her back hit the wall slightly over and over.

“That’a girl...ya like me fuckin ya? C’mon Steph, say my name” Glenn growled in her ear as he leaned forward and began viciously biting and sucking on the skin of her neck.

“GLENN, oh god...yes...I love it...fuck me” Stephanie almost screamed as her wet hair stuck to her neck, shoulders, and chest, making Glenn lick his lips at her. Glenn slid his left hand up her body then tangled it in her hair, pulling it slightly for her to look at him.

He then slammed his lips to hers in a fierce kiss, there tongues tangled and wrestled viciously as Glenn thrust into her as hard as he could. Stephanie’s whimpers became louder and louder in Glenn’s mouth before Glenn tore his lips away from hers and Stephanie’s orgasm hit.

“GLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENN” Stephanie screamed out as her orgasm exploded through her body. Glenn watched her face expressions and listened to her harsh breathing as he still thrust inside her. The sound of Stephanie’s screams sent him over the edge.

Glenn growled out her name loudly, strangling his vocal cords as he tossed his head back, his seed pouring into her body. Glenn’s thrusts slowed then ceased as he held Stephanie’s body close to his, there breathing heavy, panting, as there bodies were covered with sweat from there love making and the temperature of the shower water.

“Stephanie” Glenn panted heavily as he looked deep into her emerald green eyes, “I love you”.

Glenn’s eyes flew open and searched around frantically, then calmed when he realized he was laying in Stephanie’s bed, with her curled up beside him. Glenn sighed softly and shook his head.

“Juuuuuuust great” he muttered softly to himself as he looked under the sheet and noticed his obvious arousal. ‘God, why’d that have to be a dream’ he thought to himself with a soft smile and a dreamful look in his eyes. Glenn looked down at Stephanie when he felt her shift beside him, her eyes slowly fluttering open.

“Morning sweetheart” Glenn said with a smile as he pulled her closer to his side, laying her head on his chest. “Morning sexy” Stephanie mumbled sleepily as she rubbed her face against his chest. Glenn kissed the top of her head softly and smiled into her eyes when she tilted her head back to look at him.

“What time is it?” she asked with her raspy morning voice. “About five thirty” he replied, “I have to open the gym at six”. Stephanie nodded slightly and slid her right hand across his stomach, rubbing it lovingly, causing even more problems for Glenn. Stephanie let her arm go limp to rest on top of him, her hand sliding over his arousal. Glenn sucked in a sharp breath and bit his bottom lip, praying she wouldn’t notice. Stephanie smiled softly then looked up at him.

“Have any good dreams?” she asked with a giggle. Glenn closed his eyes tightly and sighed then open them and glanced down at her. “You’re mean” he stated. Stephanie giggled and slid her hand down his stomach then over his confined erection and started rubbing it.

“What was it about?” she asked slyly. Glenn’s breaths caught in his throat and he moaned softly at the feel of her hand touching him, dying to feel her skin against his bare body. “It was...about you” he moaned softly. Glenn licked his lips and felt himself grow harder as she continued touching him. “What happened...in the dream” she taunted, eager to know.

“I...fucked you against the wall in the shower” he moaned out on an exhale as he tilted his head back. Stephanie smirked and removed her hand from him then slid it under the sheets. She slid her hand over his right thigh and resumed her earlier actions. Glenn grunted and unconsciously bucked his hips up to her little hand, his body tingling with excitement. Stephanie smiled and rubbed him a bit harder.

“Did you like making me scream in pleasure?” Stephanie purred in Glenn’s ear. Glenn moaned softly and felt his entire body shiver at her question. “God, you have no idea” Glenn groaned as he smirked down at her. Stephanie smiled then giggled as she removed her hand from him.

“Well, I’m glad, ya know, I would help you with that but I have to go take a...shower” she taunted as she slid from the bed and danced her way to the bathroom. Glenn glared evilly at her and groaned loudly as she closed the door. “Your gonna regret this” he called to her. He smiled when he heard her laugh from behind the door. Glenn laid there trying to think of anything that would make his body calm. The sound of the shower turning on did nothing to help his problem.

After Stephanie’s fifteen minute shower, Glenn managed to gain control over his body and calm his nerves. “Steph, is my white beater and black shorts still over here somewhere?” Glenn called to her. “Yeah, check the top dresser drawer” she replied as he heard the shower turn off. He turned to the dresser and opened the drawer, immediately turning his gaze away.

“Ya had to put em’ in your pantie drawer didn’t ya” Glenn called. Stephanie giggled and walked out of the bathroom, a fluffy white towel wrapped around her body. “Couldn’t resist” she replied with an innocent smile. Glenn shook his head with a smile as he reached in and grabbed his work out attire. Glenn tossed them on the bed then picked up a tiny red thong from the left side of the drawer.

“When are you gonna where these for me?” he asked with an evil smirk as he hooked his thumbs in the sides of them. Stephanie smiled and put her hands on her hips. “Well it depends when your birthday is” she replied. Glenn chuckled softly and tossed them at her, making her laugh. Glenn couldn’t help but smile as he watched her smile and listened to her laughter.

‘I didn’t know beauty like that existed’ he thought to himself as he watched her bend down and pick up her thong then toss it back in her drawer. Stephanie grabbed a pair of silk black panties and her black sports bra then opened the drawer beneath it and pulled out her red spandex tank top and black spandex shorts. “Nice bra” Glenn stated with a soft chuckle.

“Yeah well if you had big boobs that you had to carry around all the time, you wouldn’t want them bouncing around while you were trying to work out” she replied as she walked towards the bathroom. Glenn shook his head and watched her close the door behind her. He grabbed his shorts and slid them on then pulled on his beater. Glenn sat down on the edge of the bed and slid on his socks then laced his sneakers on. Glenn turned his head when he heard the bathroom door opening. The phone started ringing as Stephanie walked by it.

“Hello?” Stephanie said once she picked up. “Hey hun”, Stephanie smiled when she heard her best friend Jaslyn Rose McKenzie’s voice. They had been friends since they both could remember. They saw each other as sisters, not only friends She was a few inches taller than Stephanie, which wasn’t hard considering Stephanie was not the tallest person around. Jaslyn had long red hair with blonde streaks in it, making it appear almost strawberry blonde, and amber eyes.

“Hey sweetheart, did you just get back?” Stephanie asked. Jaslyn giggled and nodded. “Yes...Steph the honeymoon was absolutely INCREDIBLE! You and Glenn HAVE to go to Australia” she said excitedly. “Me and Glenn are not getting married” Stephanie stated firmly, making her friend laugh. “I never said that” Jaslyn stated innocently.

“Tell her I said hi” Glenn stated with a smile, already knowing who was on the phone. “Glenn says hi” Stephanie relayed to Jaslyn. She smiled and replied “see? He’s already there, when are you two never together? Tell him I said hi darlin”. “she says hi darlin” Stephanie said to Glenn. “So how’s David, Mrs. Batista?” Stephanie asked as she took a seat on her bed beside Glenn. Jaslyn glanced over at her husband who was taking a little nap.

“He’s pretty jet lagged, but he’s wonderful...we both are” Jaslyn replied. She watched David’s muscular chest rise and fall gently with his breathing and couldn’t help but reach out and touch him, resting her hand on his shoulder. David had short black hair with beautiful chocolate brown eyes and the most adorable soul patch on his chin.

Dave was a few inches shorter than Glenn, making him and Glenn the largest men around, and his body was made of complete muscle. He has a large tattoo of a dragon breathing flames on his back, Kanji script “Heaven’s Messenger” on his left arm, flames around his navel, and a dragon with Kanji script on his right arm. He also has both ears, his tongue, and navel all pierced, however he rarely wore them all at once. David was a personal trainer at Glenn’s gym and he was also a tattoo artist, his own shop called Animal’s Domain in town not far from the gym.

“So what are you and Glenn doing?” Jaslyn asked. “We’re just getting ready to head out to the gym, he needs to open up then put me through hell on the machines” Stephanie replied. Jaslyn giggled then said “sounds good to me, well I’m gonna get going. I want to start unpacking everything and make Dave a good breakfast before he wakes up, we didn’t eat much on the plane”. “okay sweetheart, I’ll call you later on tonight” Stephanie stated. They exchanged love and good wishes before saying goodbye and hanging up.

“I’m hungry, and please don’t tell me your gonna make me drink one of those shake things again” she asked as stood from the bed then tied her hair up in a pony tail. Glenn laughed softly and shook his head as he stood from the bed.

“Nah, this morning it’s cereal” he stated. Stephanie’s face brightened with a smile as she clapped. “Good, I have a new box of Lucky Charms in the kitchen” she said as she took Glenn’s hands in hers and pulled him towards the bedroom door. “Wrong, your gonna eat Cherios” he replied as he let her lead him out into the hall. Stephanie stopped walking and sighed heavily.

“Frosted cherios?” she asked with hope. Glenn chuckled softly and swept her up in his arms, then carried her down the stairs into the kitchen. “nope, regular cherios” he retorted as he sat her down at the kitchen table. “Your no fun” Stephanie said with a sigh as Glenn began grabbing bowls, cups, and silverware. “Yeah yeah yeah, I hear that a lot” he said before laughing softly. Stephanie couldn’t help but smile at his laughter and shake her head at his cuteness. It didn’t take them very long to eat breakfast, and before they knew it, they were in Glenn’s SUV, heading to the gym.

　

Chapter 6

“No mercy today little girl” Glenn stated with a smirk as he let Stephanie walk in before him, holding the door open for her. “Let me go put my stuff in the locker room” she said before hurrying away to the other room. Glenn searched around the gym, making sure his brother was not present yet. He nodded with a sigh of relief before walking over to the treadmill and leaning against it, waiting for Stephanie. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw Stephanie rush into the room then briskly walk over to him.

“Start out with three miles on the treadmill” Glenn stated when she approached him. “Three?” she exclaimed, “the most I’ve ever done is two, I’m that big on running”. Glenn nodded and replied “exactly, that’s why I want three today”. Stephanie sighed heavily before stepping up onto the machine, turning it on, and beginning her run. Glenn upped the speed a bit before walking away towards the refrigerator to get her a bottle of water.

‘When will he show up?’ Glenn asked himself, his brother being too unpredictable for him to know. He walked back over to Stephanie and placed the water bottle in one of the cup holders at the front of the machine.

By the time Stephanie got off the machine, her legs were extremely flimsy, so Glenn worked her arms until they felt just as useless. Then he focused on her abs and moved through with the rest of there normal routine.

“Glenn...please rack this...I can’t...finish” Stephanie choked out as she struggled to push the weight on the bench press back to it’s resting place. “Nope, you can do this, you’ve done two hundred already, what’s one more for good luck” Glenn demanded as he watched beads of sweat slide off Stephanie’s forehead. She whimpered in pain and almost screamed in frustration as she used every last ounce of energy in her body to rack the bar. Her arms immediately dropped to her sides as her chest rose and fell rapidly with her erotic breathing.

“Great job sweetheart” Glenn said with a smile as he tossed a towel over her head. “I’d move it...if I could move...my arms” Stephanie panted, her voice a bit muffled from underneath the towel. Glenn chuckled softly and knelt down beside her, removing the cloth from her face.

“Thank you” she whispered breathlessly, her eyes closed. Glenn smiled and gently dabbed her face, ridding it of sweat. “Ya did great darlin” Glenn reassured her as he wiped her damp hair from her forehead. Stephanie slowly opened her eyes and smiled at him.

“Thanks...now when...are you gonna get your big ass...on here and do this” she asked between breaths. Glenn laughed softly and kissed her forehead. “Yeah Glenn when are you gonna do this?” a deep voice asked from behind them. Stephanie had to blink a few times, because she could have sworn Glenn just spoke without moving his mouth. Glenn and Stephanie both glanced behind them to see a man, a mirror reflection of Glenn, standing there, hands shoved in the front pockets of his jeans. The man wore tight black jeans and a black muscle t-shirt along with black sunglasses resting on the top of his head.

Stephanie could clearly tell, from the beautifully chiseled muscles of his chest, that he sported the same muscular built body as Glenn. Stephanie licked her lips to make sure her mouth wasn’t hanging open, gaping at this man, as she studied him fully and completely, head to toe. She was completely fascinated that the only difference between the two were their eyes. Glenn’s eyes were a silverish blue, unlike his brothers who were a dark brown, almost appearing black.

“Kane” Glenn said as he stood, moving closer to him, “you’re here earlier than I thought you’d be”. Kane smirked and chuckled softly. “Well I had nothing better to do obviously, so here I am” he replied. Kane’s eyes then drifted down to Stephanie who was struggled to sit up. Glenn turned and hurried to help her, wrapping an arm around her waist to help her to her feet.

“Thanks babe” Stephanie said as Glenn released her, making sure she could stand on her own. “Well it’s apparent Glenn is never going introduce us, I’m Kane” Kane said with a smile as he held a hand out to her. Stephanie smiled and slid her hand into Kane’s.

“I’m Stephanie” she replied, her eyes locked on his. Kane slowly turned her hand over and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss over her knuckles. Stephanie bit her bottom lip softly at the feel of this mans soft tender lips against her skin. Kane slowly released her hand and smiled down into her eyes.

“I’m...I’m sorry, I don’t mean to stare, it’s just so incredible how much alike you both look” Stephanie apologized softly, a soft blush creeping into her cheeks. Kane chuckled softly and shrugged. “No apology necessary” he replied, “looks like Glenn worked ya pretty hard”.

“yeah the big oaf never let’s me rest” she said with a soft giggle as she looked up at him and nudged him with her elbow, reassuring him that she was just kidding. Glenn smiled down at her and pulled her close to his side. “Yeah, well, I need to you full of energy” Glenn replied.

Stephanie couldn’t help but look back up at Kane, her eyes meeting his. For some strange reason, she felt a connection to this man. She felt drawn to him, drawn to listen to every word he had to say and learn everything about him. ‘Now why would you wanna do that?’ she asked herself, pulling her gaze from his.

“Well, I’m gonna go jump in the shower, I’ll be quick I promise” she stated before patting Glenn’s back lovingly and walking away towards the locker room. “Quite a girl you’ve got there” Kane said with a smirk as he draped an arm over his brothers shoulders.

“She’s not my girl, we’re just friends” Glenn replied before trying to walk away. “I don’t think so bro, see that isn’t the kind of woman you just wanna be...friends...with, if you get what I’m sayin” Kane retorted as he tightened his hold on Glenn, pulling him back.

“Yeah no kidding” Glenn replied, “but just because she’s not mine, doesn’t mean you have to go after her”. Kane smirked and replied “now whoever said I was gonna do such a thing”. “Kane I’m not stupid, I know you, you being my twin just makes me know you even more” Glenn replied as he shoved his brothers arm off him.

“I just met her Glenn, I’m not after her...just interested in getting to know a little bit about her” Kane stated matter of factly. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s what you want from her, a piece of her mind” Glenn mumbled under his breath. “Oh c’mon bro, why the hostility?” Kane asked with a smirk.

“Why? You know exactly why. Does the words ‘short temper’ mean anything to you or ‘hitting women’?” Glenn asked with agitation as he faced his brother. Kane’s smirk melted from his face, turning into a scowl. “Leave my temper out of this, and I didn’t hit anyone, I barely fucking touched them then they had to go and yell ‘oh he abused me’, you know me better than that” Kane retorted, trying desperately not to growl.

“Right” Glenn mumbled to himself. Glenn looked over at the desk and saw Jake was waving at him for his help. “You wait here and do nothing, I’ll be right back” Glenn stated, looking his brother dead in the eyes. Kane rolled his eyes and turned his back to him before heading towards the heaviest punching bag hanging from the ceiling.

Stephanie walked out of the locker room wearing a tight white tank top and skin tight hip hugger jeans with rips at the knees and thighs, and saw Kane beating on the heavy punching bag.

‘Man, doesn’t that hurt?’ she thought to herself as she approached him. “Hey there, working off some steam?” Stephanie asked sweetly as she pulled her gym bag more comfortably over her shoulder. Kane abruptly stopped with the bag and turned to her with a gentle smile.

“You could say that...me and Glenn don’t always get along great” Kane admitted as he rubbed his knuckles. Stephanie tucked a few strands of her damp hair behind her ear and nodded, “yeah, me and my older sister don’t always get along, but she’s definitely my best friend, well besides Glenn”. Kane smiled as he listened to her speak, watching the way her eyes lit up when she spoke of her sister and the adorable nervousness he could feel coming from her when they were near each other.

“It’s not every day you hear a woman saying her sister is her best friend” Kane said as he leaned against the wall closest to him. Stephanie smiled and nodded in agreement. “Yeah I know, me and Jessica are different though. I swear we’re twins, just born two years apart” she replied with a giggle. Kane studied her as she stood there innocently, being so beautiful and enticing without even knowing it.

“Hey Steph, I know we just met and all but...would you like to go out for some lunch?” Kane asked as he pushed away from the wall, moving a few steps closer. Stephanie smiled up at him and nibbled her bottom lip gently.

“That sounds great, can Glenn come with us?” Stephanie asked excitedly. Kane didn’t show his reluctance to invite Glenn. He turned towards the desk and called out Glenn’s name. Stephanie walked up to him as he approached. “Me and Kane are going out to get some lunch and we want you to come” Stephanie stated. Glenn sighed heavily and shook his head.

“I can’t leave, Jake has today off and nobody else can watch the place” Glenn stated regretfully. He glanced back at Kane who now had a smug smirk on his face. ‘That son of a bitch better not lay a finger on her’ Glenn’s mind growled as he glared at his brother. Kane approached and laid his hands on Stephanie’s shoulders. “Go ahead and wait near the door, I just want a word with my little brother for a minute” Kane insisted.

“Okay, come over the house so we can talk for a little while okay?” she asked Glenn as she slid her arms around his waist. “I’ll be over right after I close up” Glenn said with a smile as he held her tight. “Great” Stephanie said with a smile after she released him.

“Ready?” Kane asked from behind her. Stephanie looked over her shoulder and nodded, “Ready”. Glenn glared at his brother as he watched them walk out, especially when Kane offered Stephanie his arm and she took it. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on her” Glenn growled softly before tearing his gaze away and getting back to work.

Chapter 7

“I’m sorry, I really don’t mean to stare, it just completely baffles me how much you and Glenn look alike” Stephanie said as she smiled at Kane from across the table. They were in the restaurant, which was not too far from Glenn’s gym, waiting for their meals to arrive. Kane chuckled softly and shook his head, waving away her apology.

“Don’t worry about it. Glenn and I get that a lot, we’re used to it by now” Kane stated as he leaned back in his chair. “Here ya go kids” Betty, the waitress, said as she set their lunch down in front of them.

“Thanks Betty, this looks delicious” Stephanie said with a smile as she picked up her fork. Kane nodded and gave his own thanks before Betty walked away. Kane had a rather large steak and cheese sandwich while Stephanie had turkey sandwich, not exactly as large as Kane’s.

“so tell me about yourself, Kane Jacobs?” Stephanie asked, tossing him a smile before digging into her lunch. Kane smiled back and swallowed what he’d been chewing. “Well, I live in Houston, Texas on a ranch and I have about two hundred acres” Kane began before taking a few gulps of his soda, “I own a motorcycle and car repair shop in Houston and a bar called Pirates Moon here in Knoxville. I own five of my own motorcycles and two trucks, plus I have two quads”. Stephanie couldn’t help but laugh softly as she shook her head.

“You own Pirates Moon? I always see it but I’ve never been in it. That’s incredible, Kane” she stated. Kane chuckled softly and shrugged at her words. “Not incredible, just me” Kane said, leaning over the table to look into her eyes. Stephanie smiled and gave him her gaze.

“Yes, just you, and you Kane, are incredible” she said as she herself leaned forward. “And why is that?” he asked, a sly smirk creeping onto his face. She giggled softly and gave a nonchalant shrug. “I’ve never met anyone who has such an interesting list of assets to his name. Plus it’s funny because I love motorcycles, trucks, and I used to live on a ranch when I was a little girl” she replied before leaning back and taking another bite of her lunch.

“Really?” Kane asked. “yeah, I was a complete farm girl, you know? I had the whole pig tails thing going on, jeans, a t-shirt, the pictures are priceless” Stephanie stated. Kane couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer. “Definitely priceless” Kane agreed, “pig tails, huh? I can see that working for you”. Stephanie giggled softly, a blush flushing her cheeks. Kane smiled as her face reddened.

“Your cute when you blush” he stated, leaning forward once again. Stephanie smiled up at him. “Thank you” she said softly. “So what do you do for a living, Steph?” Kane asked before continuing with his meal. “Well, I’m a writer. I already have a few books published and I’ve been working like crazy on my newest one. I’m also a photographer. I take pictures of nature usually and family, friends, or businesses buy my photos for their offices or homes” she explained. Kane swallowed before replying.

“What type of stories do you write?” he asked. Stephanie smiled, “romance novels of course. I write a lot about Scottish Highlanders or Texas cowboys”. Kane took the last bite of his sandwich before washing it down with the rest of his soda. “Sounds good to me. I’m more of the mystery or suspense kind of guy” Kane said. Stephanie nodded as she finished off her own meal.

“Well, it’s good that you read. Some men these days think reading is pointless or stupid” Stephanie said before sipping her ice tea. “Most of my friends think it’s stupid, but I love it” Kane stated as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Please, let me give you something” Stephanie insisted as she pulled out her own wallet.

“Don’t even think about it little girl” Kane said with a smile as he pulled out a twenty and set it down on the table. Stephanie sighed softly and returned her wallet to her pocket. “You and Glenn both have the same stubbornness” she said with a soft giggle. Kane smiled softly as he watched her, listened to her laughter. “You have a beautiful smile” he said softly as he leaned forward once again. Stephanie instinctively smiled and shook her head.

“Big yes, but beautiful I’m not sure of” Stephanie replied. “I have an idea. Since we seem to be getting along quite well, I say tonight you and me take a night out on the town. Dinner and a little dancing, how does that sound?” Kane asked, his eyes focusing only on her’s. Stephanie gently bit her bottom lip as she contemplated his words. ‘I just met him, should I be doing this? Will Glenn be mad?’ she questioned as she thought.

“What time?” she asked. Kane smiled at her words and nodded in approval. “I’ll pick you up at eight”. Stephanie nodded before standing up from her chair. “Sounds good to me. Well, I have to get home and use up a few rolls of film” she stated. Kane stood and motioned her towards the door. “I’ll drive you” he said as they headed out of the restaurant. Kane helped Stephanie into his truck then headed out of town towards her house.

“Wow, that’s definitely a beauty” Kane stated as he pulled into Stephanie’s driveway. She smiled proudly. “Thank you, I could never imagine living anywhere else” she stated as Kane shut off the car. He opened his door then hurried to her side and opened her’s. “thanks honey” Stephanie said as she hopped down from the high vehicle. Kane stared down at her before slipping his hand into her’s. Stephanie looked up at him and couldn’t help but smile at the sweet gesture.

“After you” he insisted. She gave his hand a friendly squeeze before heading up the porch then unlocking the door and heading inside. “No wonder you love this house” Kane said as he looked around the beautiful home. Stephanie looked around as well, making sure the place was in shape and not in need of a cleaning.

“Would you like to stay for a few minutes? Have a seat?” Stephanie asked as she released his hand and moved into the living room. She took a seat on the couch and beckoned him over. A smirk formed on his lips as he looked at her. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so delicious’ Kane stated as he studied Stephanie’s petite body. He walked over and took a seat beside her.

“So what do you take pictures of around here?” he asked, his voice low as he looked down at her. Stephanie noticed Kane was seated a bit close to her and the look in his eyes as he watched her was something she’s seen in only Glenn’s eyes.

“I...I usually just go in the back yard and take pictures of the lilac trees and Cherry blossom trees. Also the sunsets, there absolutely amazing” she replied. Kane slowly traced his fingers down Stephanie’s cheek and studied her eyes. “You have beautiful eyes Stephanie” he whispered as his fingers began toying with her hair.

“Thank you” she whispered, her eyes locked on his, “you have beautiful eyes too, and a breath taking smile”. Kane smirked at her words and slowly leaned down towards her, leaving mere inches between them.

“Breath taking?” he asked in a hushed voice, “I believe you’ve already won that title”. Stephanie nervously licked her lips as she Kane leaned in even closer. “Luscious lips” Kane stated, “may I have a taste, Stephanie Callaway?”. Stephanie couldn’t answer, she could barely breath. How in the world was this man so incredibly good at pushing all her ‘turn on’ buttons. Kane didn’t wait for her to respond. He leaned down, closing the distance between them, and captured her lips in a soft, gentle kiss. Kane’s lips were so soft and full, they were driving Stephanie’s senses wild.

‘Just as I thought’ Kane thought to himself. Her lips were just as luscious and soft as he thought they would be. Kane parted his lips and slowly ran his tongue over her lips, asking for entrance. Without thinking, Stephanie parted her lips a little, which Kane took to his full advantage. He parted her lips the rest of the way and delved his tongue inside, tasting every crevice he could reach before running his tongue over the roof of her mouth.

His fingers threaded through her hair, gently pulling her closer. Stephanie was beginning to get a bit nervous, but her excitement quickly over rode that as she leaned into Kane’s touch, even letting her own tongue slip into Kane’s mouth to do her own exploring. Kane let a soft moan escape his throat, obviously pleased at Stephanie’s reaction. He slowly broke the kiss before opening his eyes to study her angelic face. A smirk crept to his lips when he saw her eyes were still closed, her kiss-swollen lips still parted, and her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

“Beautiful” he murmured before feathering his lips over her’s once more. Stephanie’s eyes slowly fluttered open and immediately locked on his hooded gaze. “Beautiful” he whispered once more.

“You...you already said that” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Kane chuckled softly. “There’s never anything wrong with stating the obvious, Stephanie” Kane whispered, that deep accented voice as smooth as liquor. He slowly released her before rising to his feet and striding to the front door. He turned back towards her.

“Stephanie, dress in comfortable close for tonight” Kane instructed before opening the door and disappearing out of it. Stephanie flopped back on the couch with a heavy exhale as her mind ran frantically to process what just happened between her and her best friends twin brother.

“God, he’s so amazing. Wait a minute” Stephanie said before jumping to her feet, “What am I supposed to wear?”. She immediately ran up the stairs to her bedroom and began rummaging through dresser drawers and her closet, searching for something just right. After a half hour of searching, she chose a pair of black, skin tight, hip hugger jeans, which were very easy to move in, and a red, spaghetti strap tank top.

“Perfect” she said as she set her clothes down on the bed. Stephanie then hurried into the bathroom for a long shower.

*~*

Kane pulled into Glenn’s driveway and parked before getting out to grab his bags from the back seat. “Nice house Glenn, don’t mind if I make myself at home” Kane chuckled to himself as he walked up the porch. Kane knew the door was locked and it only took him a moment to think about where it was. He flipped the Welcome mat up with his foot and shook his head when his eyes laid on the key.

“So predictable dear brother” Kane mumbled to himself as he picked up the key then unlocked the door. He replaced the key before shutting the door behind him and heading into the house. Kane walked up the stairs and passed an open door. Kane could see it was Glenn’s bedroom so he walked by and peeked into the room beside it. It was a guest bedroom.

Kane smirked and walked in then tossed his bags down on the large bed. “Perfect, now Glenn can hear Stephanie scream when I screw her brains out” he said to himself as he glanced around the room, “tonight...this date is only the beginning”.

His tongue tentatively touched her lips, slowly worming across her mouth. Zoe groaned and opened up to him. His tongue slipped inside of her, tasting the inside of her lips, her teeth, and then her tongue. Oh My Gawd, Zoe was kissing Matt. Her best friend. An electric shiver started somewhere around her pussy and jolted through the rest of her. Her nipples went from disinterested to rock hard solid so fast they broke the sound barrier.

Zoe was kissing Matt; the awareness of simply doing that was hotter than anything she could remember doing in years.

"Holy fuck, Zoe," he whispered. He sounded as dumbfounded as she felt. Who knew? His hands sank into her hair and they were clinging to each other like they'd invented kissing. Zoe couldn't get enough of his mouth. She clawed at his shirt, yanking it out of his jeans so she could touch him. He worked at one of the buttons on her blouse for a moment, then gave up and ripped it open. Buttons flew everywhere but she didn't care.

Zoe sucked on his tongue and held his head, but he pulled away. His teeth scraped her chin, and then his lips latched onto the upper slope of one of her breasts. He eased the white lace of her demi-bra down and licked at her nipple. "Oh my God," She groaned. The breeze hit her wet nipple and, if possible, made it stand even taller.

"I can't wait." He pushed her onto her back on the concrete porch, jerking at the fly of his jeans. "I'll make it good for you later."

Zoe yanked her skirt up past her hips, spreading her knees. She didn't want to wait either. He sucked on her lips, pressing himself between her thighs. She felt the bare skin of his hips and the rough denim of his jeans moments before she felt the heat of his dick. It pressed against her pussy, instinctively homing in on her wetness. He slid his hand between them and wiggled his cock between her lips. Zoe pushed up, he pushed down, and he eased inside. They both groaned.

There was no way to adequately describe his penetration. He may not have been able to wait to start fucking, but he was in no hurry to finish it. He took his time thrusting in, pressing his cock into her inch by inch, pausing with every push to savor it. They both held their breath, eyes wide open, when he finally nudged the last little bit of himself inside. "Houston, we have hit bottom," Zoe said.

His eyes widened a moment, as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard, and then he started laughing. The deep belly laughs made his cock vibrate inside of her. Zoe’s eyes crossed. "Oh my gawd, if you keep that up, I'm going to get addicted and I'll have to tickle you."

Matt kissed her nose. "I'm going to fuck you now." Zoe smirked and said, "Um, hate to break it to ya, Matt, but you are fucking me." Matt said, "No, I'm just inside of you. Fucking works like this," and suited action to words by sinuously working his ass. The thrusts were slow and gentle, rubbing the length of his cock against the length of her pussy. Even better it rubbed his body against hers.

Zoe said, “You're a fucking genius." Matt said, "I bet you say that to all the geniuses." Zoe laughed and wrapped her legs around his waist, squeezing him tightly. She twisted her hips a little, first one way and then the other, rolling in rhythm with his rocking. "Only to the ones who fuck me." Zoe stated…Matt said, "How many geniuses have you fucked?" She said, "Counting you?" Matt said, "Yeah." Zoe smiled broadly and said, “One."

He laughed at that. "I like this." Zoe said, "Me too." He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to her lips and said, "I'm going to cum." Zoe closed her eyes, imagining the feel of his cock jerking and pearly jets of thick cum shooting deep inside of her and smiled.

Matt said, "Can I cum inside of you?" Zoe lost in the feel and sensations said, "Oh yes."

"Thank gawd," he groaned. He pressed his head to the cool concrete beneath her, caught her hips up in a vice-like grip, and hammered at her pussy. Zoe wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight, riding out the wave of his orgasm. It didn't take long, he threw his head back, teeth clenched, and grunted gutturally. She clamped down as hard as she could with her pussy muscles and was rewarded with the definite twitch of exploding cock.

Zoe held him while he breathed in her ear like a winded moose. The contrast between his hot, sweaty body, and the cool concrete beneath her reminded her that she had just fucked her ex's best friend on her own front porch. Zoe smirked. Even though she didn't come, it had been a damned good fuck too. Better than anything John had put out in years. The coolness of the concrete also served to remind her that it was flat and her back was not.

"My back hurts, I gotta get up," Zoe told him, wriggling to the left. "Huh?" He nuzzled at her ear. She tried to squirm out from under him. He went with her. "No, stay."

Zoe wiggled to the left some more. "My back hurrrrrts!" Suddenly the porch wasn't there anymore. She grunted when they both hit the flowers surrounding the foundation. He rolled onto his back immediately, taking her with him.

Matt said, "Are you okay?" Zoe said, "I think the earth just moved for us." She rubbed the small of her back. The little white picket fence was poking her outer thigh. "Come on, let's lay in the grass." "We'll get chigger bites," Matt said, his hands coming around to rub her back for her. Zoe said, "I'm getting picket fence bites."

Matt laughed and stood up, picking her up with him. She clutched at his neck in surprise. "Fuck'n-A, Zoe, you weigh a ton." "Gee thanks." Zoe smacked him on the shoulder…Matt laughed and said, “I was just kidding your purse weights more then you…As he pretended to drop her. They sprawled on their backs and stared at the few stars they could see past the street lights for a few minutes.

Chapter 8

Stephanie rushed around her bedroom, putting finishing touches on her appearance. She growled with frustration when the phone on the bedside table behind her began ringing. “Hello?” she said once she managed to pull herself away from the mirror to pick it up. “You didn’t call me, young lady” Jaslyn chastised playfully. “Sorry sweetheart, so what’s up?” Stephanie apologized sincerely.

“Ooooh nothing, I just wanted to know how your day was, what your mind set is, and what your doing tonight” Jaslyn asked innocently. Stephanie sighed and nodded. “Glenn made you call me, didn’t he” she said, more of a statement than a question. Jaslyn giggled softly and replied “yeah, he worries about you sweetheart, I STILL say you need to snatch him before some stupid big breasted blonde bimbo does”.

Stephanie bit her bottom lip nervously then sighed into the phone. “Jaslyn...I need to update you on this crazy life I live” Stephanie admitted. Jaslyn immediately perked up and cradled the phone closer to her ear. “Do tell” she insisted. “Well...one of Glenn’s family members came to visit him” Stephanie stated first.

“Really? Who?” Jaslyn asked curiously. “His brother...his TWIN brother...his IDENTICAL twin brother...Kane” Stephanie emphasized, almost as if she was trying to still convince herself. Jaslyn laughed and shook her head. “No, seriously, who came to visit him” she said when she recovered.

“I’m serious. He is absolutely completely identical to Glenn, well his eyes are dark brown, almost black, but I swear that is the only difference” Stephanie said as she maneuvered to the bathroom to grab her hair clip that was laying beside the sink. Jaslyn took a moment of silence to think about Stephanie’s news.

“Steph, that’s absolutely incredible. Now you have Glenn times TWO!” she exclaimed. Stephanie couldn’t help but laugh as she settled down onto her bed. “Well, that makes me feel better to hear you say that because I have more news” Stephanie stated before taking a deep breath, “I’m going on a date with Kane tonight”.

Stephanie pulled the phone away from her ear, mostly avoiding the loud scream that erupted from Jaslyn. “That is so awesome! Where are you going? Wait, what are you wearing?” Jaslyn asked. Stephanie giggled at her best friends excitement and answered any and every question she asked.

“I promise to call you either tonight or tomorrow if we get home late” Stephanie promised. “I won’t wait up for you” Jaslyn said slyly. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as the thought of Kane’s kiss wafted through her mind. Her fingers slowly traced her lips as her body began to heat.

“Stephanie? Helloooo?” Jaslyn sang, trying to get her attention. “Sorry hun, I got a little...side tracked” she apologized. “More news?” Jaslyn asked, “secret news?”. Stephanie smiled and sighed. “We went out for lunch today and it was really nice. Then he brought me home and...he kissed me” Stephanie told her. Jaslyn squealed happily and Stephanie could hear her bouncing around.

“You DEFINITELY need to call me tonight and your coming over tomorrow” Jaslyn stated firmly. “Okay, I will, not matter how late?” Stephanie asked. “No matter how late” Jaslyn confirmed. They sent their love then said their goodbyes. Stephanie got up and glanced at herself once more in the mirror before grabbing her purse and heading out of her bedroom down into the living room.

Jaslyn hung up the phone just as her husband walked into the room. “Steph?” David asked. Jaslyn giggled and nodded. “Your good” she complimented as David approached the bed then crawled over her body. David’s body already began to respond at the sight of his wife sitting on their bed, looking delicious in her jeans and tank top. David kissed his wife’s lips softly before trailing them across her jaw and down her neck.

“Mmmm, your insatiable. I still haven’t recovered from our honeymoon” Jaslyn moaned softly. “Jas, you’ll never recover as long as your married to me” David murmured as he slid his hands up her sides, underneath her shirt. Jaslyn bit her bottom lip, smiling into her husbands eyes as he unbuttoned then unzipped her jeans.

“Don’t you want to hear what’s going on with Steph and Glenn?” she asked, her eyes roaming over her husbands delicious muscles. David chuckled evilly before sliding Jaslyn’s shirt up and over her head. “Later” David mumbled before capturing her lips in a searing passionate kiss. Jaslyn slid her hands up David’s arms as her tongue slid out to meet his. David removed his clothes without ever breaking the kiss then removed Jaslyn’s panties and bra.

“David” Jaslyn whimpered once she broke the kiss. David kissed her forehead softly, settling himself between her parted thighs. “I love you sweetheart” David whispered as he gripped Jaslyn’s hips and slowly started to enter her. She threw her head back and whimpered loudly at the feel of David filling her, stretching her to the max.

“God your so tight” David growled in her ear as he pushed deeper inside her until he was fully sheathed in her warmth. He tilted Jaslyn’s hips up to gain more access before thrusting into her wildly. Jaslyn screamed out in pure ecstacy at the feel of her husband once again deep inside her.

“David...oh god” she moaned loudly. David nibbled on her neck before moving lower and taking her right nipple into his mouth. Jaslyn tossed her head from side to side as her pleasure mounted. Their bodies moved together intensely, creating pleasure for one another as only they could.

“Please...David...” Jaslyn whimpered, begging David to push her over the edge. “Want me to make you cum? Huh? Tell me Jas...you have to tell me” David growled as he gripped her hips tighter and thrusted even harder into her, making their skin slap together deliciously.

“Yes...please...make me...cum David...please” she whimpered as she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close to her. The pleasure was incredibly amazing that Jaslyn had to hold onto him, fearing she may fly away into the heavens. David smiled evilly at her response and slid his right hand up to cup her breast and massage it a bit roughly. He leaned down and bit Jaslyn’s neck, sending her completely over the edge. Jaslyn screamed out her husbands name in pure ecstacy as she tossed her head back.

David growled at the feel of his wife’s juices soaking his erection and the feel of her body clutching tightly around him. David followed her soon after, riding out both their orgasms, as he spilled his seed deep inside her. They were both covered with sweat and panting heavily by the time their passionate bout was over.

“I love you too David” Jaslyn whispered, considering she never got a chance to reply to his earlier words. David chuckled and kissed her lips softly as he pulled out of her and laid down beside her. He pulled Jaslyn against him, laying her head on his chest. “So” David said softly as he stroked his wife’s hair lovingly, “what’s new with Steph and Glenn?”.

*~*

Stephanie paced her living room like a nervous wreck as she waited for Kane to pick her up. “What if he changed his mind?” Stephanie muttered to herself. Her heart leaped at the sight of two headlights coming up her driveway.

“Guess he didn’t” she whispered, butterflies forming in her stomach. Stephanie quickly ran over to the couch and sat down as if she was waiting patently, but sprang right back up when the door bell rang. She stood, cleared her throat, straightened her outfit, then walked over to the door and slowly opened it.

Kane’s eyes shined down into Stephanie’s when she opened the door. Kane actually felt his heart almost stop at the sight of her. She was absolutely stunning with her long red hair flowing down her back, her jeans clinging to her every curve, and the creamy skin of her cleavage showed just a bit in her tight tank top. Kane had to stop himself from growling softly at the smell of her, lilacs. He loved the smell of her, pure woman.

“Good evening, beautiful” Kane greeted in a baritone voice. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she felt her entire body tingle at the sight of Kane. He looked absolutely incredible in a tight black shirt with blue jeans and black boots. She loved the silver chain necklace that hung around his neck, making him seem so much more masculine.

“Good evening to you, handsome” Stephanie replied softly, her eyes sparkling up at him. ‘He smells so good’ Stephanie thought, her knees weakening at the scent of his cologne. Kane smiled and handed Stephanie a dozen Roses surrounded by Baby’s breath. Stephanie smiled and took them from him.

“Thank you Kane, there so beautiful” Stephanie said softly as she backed up into the house, “come on in, I’ll just go run and put these in a vase”. Kane nodded and stepped inside then followed her into the kitchen after closing the door. “So where are we going tonight?” Stephanie asked as she laid the Roses lovingly down on the counter and started filling a vase with water from the sink.

“That’s a surprise” Kane replied, enjoying the view of Stephanie moving around briskly. Once she situated the beautiful flowers in the vase, she turned to Kane and walked towards him. “All set” she stated, coming to stand beside him. Kane slid his hands down Stephanie’s arms before taking both her tiny hands in his large ones.

“Tonight will be one of the greatest nights of your life Stephanie, I promise” Kane said softly before placing a gentle kiss on both her hands. Stephanie bit back a smile as she looked deep into his beautiful eyes.

“That’s a promise I’ll make you keep” Stephanie replied before giggling softly. Kane chuckles and laced one of his hands with her’s. They walked out of the house and Kane opened the passenger side door of his truck for her to get in. He rested his hands on her hips to help her up then shut her door, walked around, and got in the drivers seat.

Stephanie silently prayed that this night would turn out just as she imagined and just as Kane promised...amazing.

Chapter 9

Kane held Stephanie’s hand as he lead her into his bar. There was a large bar to her left and many tables and chairs to her right, further into the Bar straight ahead of them was a dance floor where music was not yet pouring out of the speakers. There were multi colored lights on the ceiling above the dance floor that were also not alive yet with there flourishing lights. Stephanie was a bit overwhelmed when everyone shouted Kane’s name and approached him to give their solo greetings.

“Wow...seems like everyone likes you as much as I do” Stephanie happily commented before biting her bottom lip. Her face flushed with embarrassment when Kane smiled down at her. “Sorry...didn’t mean to say that” she said softly. Kane caressed her hand, her fingers entwined with his.

“I’m just easy to like I guess” Kane stated, trying to ease her tension. Stephanie smiled and nodded, “definitely, can we sit at a table instead of the bar?”. “of course” he replied as he lead her towards the back of the room to an unoccupied booth. “Business seems to be booming” Stephanie pointed out as she slid into the seat.

“This year has been incredible” Kane replied as he took his seat beside her. Stephanie felt so comfortable and adorably petite compared to him. She scooted a bit closer to him, smiling when he laid his arm over the back of the booth before sting it over her shoulders.

“So why did you want to invest in the a bar instead of opening another motorcycle shop?” she asked, tilting her head back to look into his eyes. Stephanie was completely arrested by the look of his eyes, so beautifully dark and mysterious. She loved how they appeared black.

“I wanted to expand my horizon I guess” Kane replied with a small shrug, “I love trying new things”. Stephanie silently hoped that there was a hidden message in that statement. Kane could not for the life of him tear his gaze from Stephanie’s. She was utterly beautiful and completely charming , her innocence making her appear more precious. He had the sudden urge to take her in his arm and hold her close, but he resisted. A petite brunette waitress walked up to the table at that moment and set down two menus.

“Well, Kane I woulda been here sooner darlin if anybody told me you were here” she stated, her voice deeply accented with a southern drawl. “Don’t worry Emma, we haven’t bene here long, plus I don’t blame ya, looks like a busy night” Kane replied, his own drawl becoming more noticeable. Stephanie noticed the glint in Emma’s eyes as she looked at Kane and immediately felt a pang of jealousy.

‘What’s the matter with you? He’s not even yours, this is your first date’ Stephanie told herself mentally. “Stephanie this is Emma, Emma this is Stephanie, my beautiful date” Kane stated, affection shining in his eyes. Stephanie blushed as she held out her hand. “Nice to meet you” Stephanie stated sweetly. Emma smiled and took her offered hand. “Right back at ya girl” Emma replied, “so what would you two like?”. Stephanie opened her menu and chewed on her bottom lip in thought.

“I’ll have the chicken strips with a side of fries” Stephanie stated. “And for you?” Emma asked Kane. “My usual” he replied. After ordering a Strawberry Daiquiri for Stephanie and a Miller Lite for himself, Emma headed away to place their orders. Stephanie perked up when the song Cold by Crossfade suddenly blasted through the speakers, the lights dimmed, and the multicolored lights began spinning around.

“I love this song” Stephanie stated, making Kane turn to her. “I guessed you as a country girl” Kane said as he studied her face. “I love country music too. I listen to country, rock, and only a little bit of rap or anything like that, only when I’m dancing though” Stephanie said, counting the genres off on her fingers.

“You dance?” Kane asked, his eyebrows raised in question. Stephanie nodded and proceeded to tell Kane of all the kinds of dance she did. “You’ll have to dance for me sometime” Kane stated as he gently stroked her shoulder. Stephanie felt her body tingle with pleasure at Kane’s caring touch.

For an hour, Kane and Stephanie sat at the booth talking and eating once their meals arrived. Stephanie couldn’t believe how much she enjoyed Kane’s company, he made her laugh with his wonderful sense of humor and charmed her with his incredible personality. Stephanie couldn’t help but feel a connection between her and Kane, a connection that warmed her from the inside, out. She felt as though she could fly with such freedom when he looked into her eyes with his intense warming gaze. They both sipped their drinks, shyly glancing at each other when they thought the other wasn’t looking. Kane suddenly set down his beer and slid out of the booth then held his hand out to her.

“Come with me” he commanded gently, smiling down at her, taking her breath completely away. Stephanie set down her own drink and cautiously put her hand in Kane’s, not quite sure what he had in store for her. Kane slid his arm around her waist and lead her to the dance floor. Everyone immediately departed from the floor, leaving it all to her and Kane.

“Why are they leaving?” Stephanie asked with confusion as she looked around at everyone’s retreating backs. Kane took Stephanie’s chin between his fingers and lifted her gaze to his. He looked deeply into her eyes, studying her soul. He snapped his fingers with his free hand and Stephanie bit her bottom lip nervously as the lights dimmed. She felt her stomach flutter as Kane’s hands slid down her arms then move down to caress her waist.

A smile spread across Stephanie’s lips as a slow, beautiful song began playing through the speakers. Kane took her right hand in his left and pressed them to his chest as his right arm slid around her waist, Stephanie’s left hand resting on Kane’s shoulder. They slowly began to sway to the music, getting lost in each others eyes as the words swirled around in Stephanie’s mind, making her lose all sense of reality.

Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one

I see you through the smokey air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare
You're so close but still a world away
What I'm dying to say, is that

Chorus:

I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you

Kane leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Stephanie’s forehead, making tingles of pleasure and happiness prickle all over her body. Kane slowly put distance between them before slowly spinning Stephanie then pulling her back into his arms.

Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all

Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see

Everyone disappeared in the room, the world stopped spinning, Kane and Stephanie were frozen in time, only aware of each other. Stephanie could feel Kane’s heart beating against her hand as Kane’s fingers intertwined with her’s. Kane watched as Stephanie’s eyes deepened to a forest green, her gaze intense. He had an overwhelming urge to capture Stephanie’s luscious lips with his and kiss her until she was breathless. But why? Why did he feel such an attraction to this woman.

Of course she was beautiful, but there was more. Her beautiful smile, her heart warming laughter, her sparkling emerald eyes, everything about her was intriguing and addicting, pulling him into her gravitation.

I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
You’ll feel it in my kiss because
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you, crazy for you
(Spoken) Crazy for you

It's all brand new, I'm crazy for you
And you know it's true
I'm crazy, crazy for you

As the song winded down to an end, Kane pulled back just a bit and dipped Stephanie deeply, her hair almost brushing the floor as he murmured in her ear “I’m crazy for you”. Stephanie bit her bottom lip, eyes closed at the sound of Kane’s soft deep voice. He pulled her back up to her feet and smiled softly into her eyes as he took her face between his hands. Kane feathered a kiss over her lips as her hands rested on his chest. Stephanie moved up on her tip toes to press her lips to Kane’s, greedily accepting his loving gesture. She carefully and regretfully broke the kiss before looking up into his eyes.

“I’m crazy for you too” she whispered, feeling her body tingle at the sight of Kane’s hooded gaze. Kane smiled and chuckled softly as he gently pulled Stephanie into his arms and laid her head on his chest. Stephanie wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly, loving the security she felt with him. She inhaled deeply, almost dying at the smell of his cologne.

People started coming back on the floor, awaiting the next song to start so they could resume their dancing. Just then, one of Stephanie’s favorite songs blasted through the speakers. “Wanna rest?” Kane asked, eyebrows raised. “During this song? No way, we’re dancing” Stephanie replied with a laugh. She started running her fingers through her hair as her hips swayed to the music.

I, I'm driving black on black
Just got my license back
I got this feeling in my veins this train is coming off the track
I'll ask polite if the devil needs a ride
Because the angel on my right ain't hanging out with me tonight
I'm driving past your house while you were sneaking out
I got the car door opened up so you can jump in on the run
Your mom don't know that you were missing
She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing
Screamin'

No, we're never gonna quit
Ain't nothing wrong with it
Just acting like we're animals
No, no matter where we go
'Cause everybody knows
We're just a couple of animals

So come on baby, get in
Get in, just get in
Check out the trouble we're in

Stephanie started doing body rolls and flipping her hair back as she circled around Kane. Kane felt himself responding to her delicious movements. She came back around to the front of him and pressed her back to his chest. She ground her hips back into him, rubbing her backside against him.

Kane growled and slid his hands down her arms before moving with her, their bodies melting together. Stephanie couldn’t help but whimper as she danced with Kane, feeling his excitement pressing against her backside.

You're beside me on the seat
Got your hand between my knees
And you control how fast we go by just how hard you wanna squeeze
It's hard to steer when you're breathing in my ear
But I got both hands on the wheel while you got both hands on my gears
By now, no doubt that we were heading south
I guess nobody ever taught her not to speak with a full mouth
'Cause this was it, like flicking on a switch
It felt so good I almost drove into the ditch
I'm screamin'

No, we're never gonna quit
Ain't nothing wrong with it
Just acting like we're animals
No, no matter where we go
'Cause everybody knows
We're just a couple of animals

So come on baby, get in
Get in, just get in
Look at the trouble we're in

Kane slid his hands around her waist before sliding his right hand up her back then into her hair. He pushed her forward to bend over before pulling her back up to press her back against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. Stephanie smiled evilly at the amazing tingling that she felt lingering on her head from Kane pulling her hair. She couldn’t believe the transformation Kane could make just by the music playing, but she couldn’t say she wasn’t enjoying him.

Stephanie turned around and wrapped her right arm around Kane’s neck as Kane shoved his thigh between Stephanie’s legs, pressing her close as they continued to dance. He looked down into her eyes and saw the wild excitement in them. Her hair was haphazardly tossed over her left shoulder, her cheeks flushed as sweat glistened on her forehead.

Stephanie felt her body clench with pleasure at the look on Kane’s face. He looked absolutely animalistic, hungry for her body. His eyes appeared completely black as he snarled down at her, his right hand returning to grip her hair. She couldn’t get enough of him, she couldn’t believe that sweet, loving Kane could be so sexual and dominant, but she sure was glad he could.

We were parked out by the tracks
We're sitting in the backAnd we just started getting busy
When she whispered "what was that?"
The wind, I think 'cause no one else knows where we are
And that was when she started screamin'
"That's my dad outside the car!"
Oh please, the keys, they're not in the ignition
Must have wound up on the floor while
we were switching our positions
I guess they knew that she was missing
As I tried to tell her dad it was her mouth that I was kissing
Screamin’

No, we're never gonna quit
Ain't nothing wrong with it
Just acting like we're animals
No, no matter where we go
'Cause everybody knows
We're just a couple of animals

So come on baby, get in
We're just a couple of animals
Get in, just get in
Ain't nothing wrong with it
Check out the trouble we're in
Get in, just get in

The song ended with Kane pulling Stephanie’s hair back, bending her back at a delicious angle. He licked his lips as he pulled her back up, both of them panting from the adrenaline rush.

“Wow” Stephanie whispered, eyes locked on Kane’s. “I didn’t know you could dance that good” Kane said as he slowly caught his breath. Stephanie smiled and shrugged. “I love dancing...” she stated, pausing before finishing “especially with you”. Kane smirked down at her and kissed her forehead before taking her hand and leading her off the dance floor. After about another hour of dancing and light drinking, they finally got into Kane’s truck and he drove her home.

“So did you have fun tonight?” Kane asked, her hand in his as they walked up Stephanie’s porch steps. “Absolutely...honestly Kane, this was one of the best nights I’ve had in a while” she replied, smiling. They stopped in front of Stephanie’s front door and Kane waited as she unlocked it then opened it.

“Would you like to come in?” Stephanie asked as she leaned against he door frame. Kane smiled and nodded before stepping inside. “I’ll just stay for a minute, I don’t want to over step any boundaries” Kane stated as he watched her close the door. Kane reached out and took her hand, gently pulling her towards him. “So would asking for a second date be out of line?” Kane asked softly as he tucked Stephanie’s hair behind her ear. “Not at all, I would love to go out with you again” Stephanie replied sweetly, her smile warming his heart.

“Wonderful” he whispered as he leaned down closer to her, his lips so close to her’s. He closed the last distance between them and captured Stephanie’s soft, lush lips in a gentle kiss. Kane savored the feel of this girl against him, the smell of her hair and body spray whirling around him. “I gotta get goin’, but we’ll get together soon, don’t you worry” Kane said once he broke the kiss.

“I’ll hold you to that” Stephanie said after a moment, once she regained her senses. “Goodnight Miss Stephanie” Kane murmured before taking her hands and placing a single kiss on the backs of both of them. “Goodnight Kane” Stephanie replied softly, her gaze never leaving his. Kane chuckled softly and placed one more kiss on her forehead before releasing her and leaving the house. Stephanie smiled happily as a whimsical sigh rushed from her lungs. “Thank you God” she whispered as she held her hands to her chest.

Glenn glared down at the front door from the top of the stairs, before fixing his gaze on the love of his life. He was completely shocked when he saw Kane kiss her, and it hurt that she didn’t refuse his touch. ‘That bastard, he’s just trying to make me miserable by doing this. He’ll break her heart once he’s done with his sick little game’ Glenn thought angrily to himself before turning and stalking back into Stephanie’s bedroom and seating himself on her bed.

He didn’t know what he would say to Stephanie. He was afraid he might yell at her and shake her to try and knock some sense into her, but he would never lay a forceful hand on her in fear of hurting her. ‘What the hell am I supposed to do’ Kane asked himself as he rested his head in his hands, ‘what the hell am I gonna do’.

Chapter 10

Stephanie made her way up the stairs then walked into her bedroom. “Glenn?” Stephanie asked as she walked in then closed the door. Glenn plastered on a fake smile and stood from the bed. “Hey darlin” Glenn said as he approached her. She set down her purse and took Glenn’s hands in her’s.

“are you okay sweetheart?” she asked, a bit concerned by the look on his face. Glenn sighed heavily and shook his head. “No, I’m not okay” he replied as he removed his hands from Stephanie’s and backed away, “why didn’t you tell me you were going out with my brother?”. Stephanie’s bottom lip started quivering at Glenn’s words.

“I...I don’t know. I didn’t want to upset you” she said softly, her eyes lowering to the floor. “Since when have you ever kept anything from me?” Glenn asked. He ran his hands over and sat back down on her bed as Stephanie’s mouth opened and closed, trying to find something to say. Stephanie was very shy and sensitive when it came to Glenn being upset with her. She was always afraid he would get up and walk out of her life.

“Glenn I’m sorry” Stephanie whispered. Glenn looked up and saw Stephanie slightly shaking out of fear. He immediately rose from the bed and took her in his arms. “Steph, it’s okay. I’m not mad at you” he cooed in her ear as he sat her in his lap.

“Are you sure?” she asked softly, raising her head to look into his eyes. Glenn smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m positive...but in the future, please let me know things like this. I was scared to death when I came over here and you weren’t home, I didn’t know if you went somewhere or if something happened to you” Glenn explained before sighing heavily.

“I didn’t mean to worry you Glenn” Stephanie replied, “I’m sorry”. Glenn waved away her apology. “It’s okay sweetheart, so, I’m not sure if I want to know the answer to this, but how was your date?” Glenn asked, almost immediately regretting his question. Stephanie smiled and sighed dreamily.

“It was amazing, we went to his bar, ate, danced, it was a really good night” Stephanie replied. Glenn nodded at her words, “I’m glad you two had fun”. Stephanie slid off Glenn’s lap to go over to her dresser and grab a large t-shirt, which was Glenn’s, and a pair of panties.

“I’m gonna go jump in the shower, your staying right?” Stephanie asked, hope filling her eyes as she looked down at him. “Of course” Glenn said with a nod. Stephanie happily bounced into the bathroom then shut the door behind her.

‘What the hell am I gonna say to her? I can’t just tell her not to see him, and I can’t just come out and say that Kane has a terrible temper, she’d just shrug it off as jealousy’ Glenn thought to himself as he reclined against the headboard.

Stephanie tossed her clothes down on the bathroom floor before digging through her purse and grabbing her cell phone. She flipped it open then held down 2 for speed dial. “Hello?” she heard Jaslyn answer.

“Oh my god you have to hear about tonight” Stephanie whispered into the phone. “Why are you whispering?” she asked with a laugh. Stephanie glanced over her shoulder to the door then set the phone down and turned the shower on full blast. “Okay, Glenn’s here and I don’t want him to hear me” Stephanie stated once she picked the phone back up.

“Wait, why don’t you want Glenn to hear? Does he know you went out with Kane?” Jaslyn asked. “Yes he knows, but I don’t want to torture him with details” Stephanie replied. She then proceeded to spill everything to her best friend as she twirled around the bathroom dreamily. Jaslyn sighed as a smile spread across her face.

“Steph, that sounds so incredible, it really does. God, that sounds like a night straight out of a romance novel” Jaslyn said happily as she got comfortable on her and David’s bed. “Jas, it was so amazing, but I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to hurt Glenn, he means the world to me” Stephanie said as she sat down on the ledge of the tub.

“Well I guess you just have to decide what you want. Do you want to continue your and Glenn’s game, see what you might have with Kane, or finally dive head first into a relationship with Glenn” Jaslyn suggested. Stephanie sighed heavily, “those are my options?”. “what, do you want to buy a vowel?” Jaslyn asked with a soft laugh. Stephanie laughed along then sighed and shook her head.

“I don’t know what the hell I wanna do. I guess I should just go out with Kane again, see how I feel, then make my decision” she said softly. “Sounds good to me” Jaslyn agreed, “so...how was the goodnight kiss? Just lips? Tongue?” Jaslyn asked slyly. Stephanie giggled evilly and replied “no, no tongue, only lips, but I’m sure that tongue isn’t far away considering the speed we’re already moving. But I promised myself not to lose my virginity until I’m married”. Jaslyn snorted at that.

“HEY, I am NOT a slut young lady” Stephanie chastised. Jaslyn laughed and replied “I didn’t mean it like that, it just seems that you and Kane have a connection...you never know right? But Steph please, don’t do anything your not ready for and don’t trust people too easily.”

“What do you mean?” Stephanie asked, suddenly serious. “I...I just...I don’t know, it’s just be being protective I guess” Jaslyn lied, not wanting to tell Stephanie the things Glenn has told her about his brother Kane. He told her all about Kane being accused of hitting his last girlfriend, and he told her of his very short temper. However, Jaslyn kept her thoughts to herself. Glenn had insisted that she let him tell Stephanie, but she only needed to know if her and Kane started becoming something serious.

“Jas...Jas you still there?” Stephanie asked after a long moment of silence. “Yeah, sorry hun, I just spaced out for a second” Jaslyn stated, “well, I’m not quite sure what your decision will be, but whatever it is, you have my support one hundred percent.” “Thanks Jas” Stephanie replied sincerely, “I’ll be over tomorrow so we can take our rest day, I know you’ve been working like crazy to get ‘Living In Sin’ finished”. Jaslyn sighed and nodded. “So far so good though” she said.

“Good? Are you kidding me? ‘Living In Sin’ is absolutely amazing! You need to get writing little girl” Stephanie demanded before laughing. Jaslyn blushed even over the phone. She was always proud when it came to her stories, just unprepared for such compliments, even though Stephanie heaped them on her constantly.

“Yeah yeah yeah, that’s what you always say. How do I know your not just being nice, woman” Jaslyn asked with a giggle. Stephanie shook her head and replied “because I mean it and I know an amazing story when I see it.” Stephanie’s head snapped up at the sound of a knock on the door.

“Are you okay Steph?” Glenn called through the door. “Yeah I’m fine hun, I’ll be out soon” Stephanie called back. “I’ll be over tomorrow honey, sorry about this” Stephanie whispered into the phone. “No problem angelface, just be prepared to give me ALL the details of tonight” Jaslyn replied. They exchanged their love and goodbyes before Stephanie hung up her phone. She quickly jumped in the shower, washed her body and hair then got out and dressed in her t-shirt and panties, her hair wrapped up in a towel.

“Sorry about that” Stephanie said to Glenn once she exited the bathroom. “Who were you talking to?” Glenn asked suspiciously from his place on the bed. “Jaslyn called me, I was just letting her know what is going on for tomorrow” she replied. Glenn nodded and motioned towards the bed.

“You better get to bed, it’s getting late” Glenn said before heading towards the door. “Wait” Stephanie called out, hurrying over to him, “you can’t leave.” “I can’t?” Glenn asked. Stephanie smiled and shook her head. “Nope, you can’t, and you can’t because your sleeping here...with me” she stated as she took Glenn’s hand in both of her’s. He glanced down at their clasped then smiled into her eyes.

“You still want to do those things with me?” he asked, eyebrows raised. Stephanie’s face became one of confusion at his words. “Of course, why wouldn’t I?” she asked curiously. Glenn averted his eyes to the floor. He had immediately assumed since she was beginning to become involved with his brother that she would no longer desire to sleep with him or be playful as they usually were.

“No reason, just making sure” Glenn replied after a moment of thought. Stephanie quirked her eyebrow at him, but decided to let it go. “Well, come get into bed” she insisted as she tried to pull him towards it. Glenn chuckled at her feeble attempts but dutifully followed her. Stephanie flipped her head forward, pulling the towel from her hair. She hurried over to her vanity and brushed her hair out before hopping onto the bed.

Glenn removed his clothes down to his boxers as he usually did then paused. He suddenly felt apprehensive about the situation. Stephanie was involved with Kane, did she truly not mind doing this? “Well?” Stephanie asked as she slid under the covers, “are you gonna sleep standing up, looking all sexy in your boxers?” Glenn came out of his thoughts and shook his head at her words.

“Of course not, just lost in thought I guess” he replied before sliding onto the bed then under the covers. Stephanie dismissed his strange behavior, too tired to analyze him. She scooted closer to him and curled up against him, laying her head on his shoulder. “Goodnight sweetie” Stephanie said softly as Glenn clicked off the light. “Night darlin” he replied as he cuddle her in his arms. They both closed their eyes, quickly falling into deep sleeps full of dreams that reflected the night they both had...full of confusion.

Glenn growled softly as his eyes fluttered open. The sound of his cell phone ringing woke him. “What the hell...” he whispered with agitation as he eased over the edge of the bed to grab his pants. He pulled the phone out of his back pocket and checked the time first. He was not thrilled to see it was three in the morning.

“What!” Glenn whispered harshly into the phone. “Where the hell are you?” he heard Kane shout at him. Glenn glanced over at Stephanie and relaxed when he saw he hadn’t woken her. “What the hell do you care?” Glenn asked as he scrubbed his face with his free hand. “Shouldn’t you be seeing to your house guest?” Kane asked smugly. Glenn laughed mockingly.

“Hahaha, yeah your funny, first of all, you’re an unwelcome house guest, so no I don’t need to SEE to you at all” Glenn replied quietly. “Why are you whispering?” Kane asked, his mood suddenly going sour. Glenn sighed heavily, not wanting to tell Kane where he was or who he had curled in his arms while she slept. “I’m at Steph’s” Glenn finally stated, his teeth clenched. Kane’s eyes widened as he gripped the phone so hard his knuckles turned white.

“What...the FUCK...are you doing...at her house?” Kane growled. “I’m sleeping, what the hell am I supposed to be doing at three in the morning” Glenn growled back. Kane ran his free hand over his bald head the exact same time his brother did on the other end of the line. “You better not poison her head with lies about me or I swear to god...” Kane began to say before Glenn cut him off.

“Don’t worry your ass, I’m not gonna say anything. She’s a big girl who has to make her own decisions...even if they’re wrong” Glenn stated. “Glenn...why don’t you believe that I’m serious about this? I’m not trying to hurt her! Is it that hard to believe that I like her?” Kane asked, trying to keep his voice down and not shout sense into his brother. Glenn growled as he squeezed his eyes shut.

“I don’t want to talk about this right now” Glenn muttered, “I’m tired, I just want to get some sleep. Look...the three of us will go out to breakfast and we’ll just talk...can you handle that? Just talk?” Kane smirked and nodded. “Yeah, I can handle that, I’ll be over at nine” Kane stated.

“I’ll tell her in the morning...I don’t want to wake her” Glenn replied. “Tell me what?” Glenn heard a soft voice asked. He cringed when he realized Stephanie had woken up after all. “Me and Kane are taking you out for breakfast in the morning” Glenn said softly to her as she cuddled up to him more.

“Is that him on the phone?” she asked softly as she rubbed her eyes, making her look incredibly adorable and so so innocent. “Is that her? Let me talk to her” Kane demanded when he heard Stephanie’s sexy sleepy voice. Glenn pursed his lips and squeezed the phone, not wanting to let her talk to him, but he gave in and handed her the phone. “Hello?” she said softly.

“Hey beautiful, why are you up so late?” Kane asked sweetly. Stephanie smiled when she heard Kane’s voice. “Hey you, I was sleeping but I heard Glenn talking and had no idea who he was talking to, but it’s you, so everything’s fine” she replied. “Good, you get some sleep sweetheart, and I’ll see you tomorrow morning” Kane said softly.

“Okay” Stephanie stated as she smiled and toyed with the edge of the blanket covering her. “Sweet dreams Stephanie” Kane stated softly, almost as a whisper. “Sweet dreams Kane” Stephanie replied, her voice just as soft. They both said goodnight before she handed the phone back to Glenn. Stephanie wiggled around to get situated, laying her head back on Glenn’s shoulder and closing her eyes. Glenn could feel her drift off to sleep in his arms.

“May I sleep now?” Glenn asked irritably. Kane grunted reluctantly. He didn’t trust Glenn around Stephanie. He knew his brother cared a lot for Stephanie, maybe even loved her, but that was not stopping Kane from dating Stephanie, especially if they might turn into something more than just friends. They said abrupt goodbyes then hung up before rubbing their hands over their faces. Kane ventured up to the room he was staying in and crawled into bed.

“I don’t want to hurt her” Kane whispered as he laced his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling, “I really do like her.” Glenn placed his cell phone on the bedside table before turning towards Stephanie and cuddling up to her.

“Sweet dreams my angel” Glenn whispered as he placed a soft kiss on Stephanie’s cheek. His heart tightened as he watch her sleep so innocently. He couldn’t give up on her. He WOULDN’T give up on her. Stephanie meant more to him than life itself. There was NO WAY he was going to let his brother steal the only happiness he has out from under him...no way.

Chapter 11

Stephanie, Glenn, and Kane were dressed and leaving Stephanie’s house by ten after nine. Stephanie couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward being with Kane and Glenn at the same time, plus she was sitting between them in the cab of Kane’s truck. They kept shooting daggers at each other every time they saw the others face.

“So” Stephanie said cheerfully, breaking the uncomfortable silence, “where are we going to eat?” “IHOP” Kane and Glenn said simultaneously. Stephanie couldn’t help but giggle at them, however, Kane and Glenn scowled at each other. Stephanie’s laughter stuttered then died when she saw the looks between them. The rest of the drive to the restaurant was in silence.

Once they arrived, Glenn and Kane stood back, allowing Stephanie to enter first. The three of them were lead to a table and Stephanie slid into one of the seats all the way to the window. Glenn sat beside Stephanie and Kane took the seat across from them. Stephanie glanced up at Glenn then over at Kane and saw they were glaring at each other once again. ‘Must they hate each other?’ Stephanie thought to herself as menus were placed before them.

“Does everyone need some time to decide?” the waiter asked. They all ordered easily then handed their menus to the waiter before he walked to place their orders. “So, Kane, do you like it around here?” Stephanie asked. Kane turned his full attention to her and nodded. “Definitely, my shop has been getting a lot of great business lately, plus the bar, so I don’t think I’ll be leaving any time soon” Kane replied with a smile. Stephanie smiled back then glanced up at Glenn.

“Just make sure you don’t over stay your welcome” Glenn stated, staring still at his brother. “Glenn...he’s your brother” Stephanie scolded gently. Glenn dropped a soft kiss on the top of her head then nodded. “My apologies” Glenn said through clenched teeth.

“No problem...bro” Kane retorted, as if rubbing their mutual blood in his face. The three talked for a while, Kane and Glenn making hidden insults towards one another or giving each other death glares. Glenn hated the way Kane kept looking at Stephanie, like he wanted to eat her instead of his breakfast. When their meals finally arrived Glenn felt a bit relieved since Kane’s stomach was taking up a bit of his attention. “How’s Claiming A Highland Heart coming along?” Glenn asked before continuing to eat his meal.

“Wonderfully, I’m so excited about it. I should have it finished in a few months” Stephanie replied happily. “Claiming a Highland Heart?” Kane questioned. “My story, remember when I told you I’m a writer? Claiming A Highland Heart is the story I’ve been working on for a few months now” Stephanie replied. They continued eating for a few minutes in silence before Kane spoke up.

“So what’s up for today?” Kane asked. “I’m going over my friend Jaslyn’s house. Sometimes we have book signing’s and we get so caught up with our writing, so we set aside days for us to spend together” Stephanie replied. Glenn smiled at the look of sadness on Kane’s face.

Glenn knew that Kane wanted to have more time alone with Stephanie, but he couldn’t let it happen. He was honestly afraid. He was afraid for Stephanie, such an innocent girl in a not so innocent world. Glenn knew Kane was capable of doing bodily harm to Stephanie, he just prayed Kane was in his right mind and had no intentions of getting too close to her. They finished their meals with a bit more conversation before heading back to Stephanie’s house.

“So what are you two doing for the day?” Stephanie asked as they walked through her front door. “Just having some brotherly time together” Kane replied as he pulled Glenn to his side, clamping his arm down over Glenn’s shoulders. Glenn tried desperately to hide the grimace he felt pulling at his lips. “Sounds good” Stephanie said with a smile.

“I’m just going to run and get a drink of water before I get going, you guys can stay here if you want, go back to Glenn’s house, whatever you want is fine” she said before disappearing into the kitchen. Glenn immediately shoved Kane away from him. “Damn it Kane, I am not spending the day with you of all people” Glenn growled, his voice a whisper so he wouldn’t alarm Stephanie. Kane scowled at his brother and took a step closer, getting right in his face.

“Glenn, I know you don’t want me around you OR Stephanie, but you know what? She’s not your’s, so I can be with her anytime I want. You need to lay off” Kane demanded. “No, YOU need to lay off. Leave her ALONE! Go after some other girl, just leave her the hell alone, she never did anything to screw with you, so go beat the hell out of some other naive girl” Glenn growled, his voice still quiet. Kane grabbed Glenn by the front of his shirt and pulled him in close.

“God damn it Glenn, I swear to God if you ever say that again I’m gonna...” Kane growled before Glenn cut him off. “Your gonna what? Hit me? Fine, go ahead, prove my point so Stephanie can see how short your fuse really is” Glenn demanded, not meaning to taunt him. Kane shoved Glenn away, making him stumble before Glenn came forward and shoved Kane back. “Don’t push me you sonuvabitch” Glenn growled.

Stephanie drank a cup of water before heading back towards the living room, but she halted to the left of the arch way. She bit her bottom lip as she listened to Kane and Glenn’s quiet voices, arguing over her. She became a bit alarmed when she heard a bit of physical contact starting. Stephanie quickly grabbed her purse off the counter and made a loud screech noise as she pushed one of the kitchens chairs side to side, letting them know she was coming.

Kane and Glenn heard Stephanie coming out of the kitchen, so they backed up a bit and desperately tried to wipe their angry expressions off their faces. “All set” Stephanie said as she walked into the room. She walked over to Glenn and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tight. “I’ll be home either later on tonight, or I’ll spend the night at Jas’s” she said as Glenn hugged her back. Glenn kissed the top of her head softly before Stephanie moved away and walked over to Kane. She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around him, embracing him as well.

“I’ll talk to you later” Stephanie said as Kane wrapped his arms around her small body. “Definitely, we’ll make plans for our second date” Kane whispered in her ear before placing a soft kiss on her cheek. Stephanie felt her entire body shiver at the feel of Kane’s soft luscious lips against her skin.

“Absolutely” Stephanie whispered before sliding out of his arms. Stephanie bid them both goodbye before heading out of her house and walking over to her truck. “Don’t forget to lock up!” Stephanie called before getting into her car and driving down the driveway. She took a left, heading towards her best friends house.

“ANGELFACE!” Jaslyn squealed excitedly when she saw her best friend leap out of her huge truck. “BEAUTIFUL!” Stephanie squealed just as loudly as she hurried up the walkway then the front porch of Jaslyn’s house. They embraced each other as if they hadn’t spoken or seen each other in years. “God if feels like more than a week darlin” Stephanie said as she held her friend close.

“I know honey, we need all the rest from thinking and typing and writing as we can get” Jaslyn replied before pulling away from Stephanie. Jaslyn’s waist length honey blonde, red streaked, hair was pulled back in a low pony tail as her amber eyes sparkled with such joy into Stephanie’s.

Jaslyn was only about an inch or two taller than Stephanie and had a slim waist but was well endowed in the places where it mattered. “I’m so happy to be here. We need to do this more often sweetheart” Stephanie stated as she cupped her best friends face in her hands. Jaslyn nodded in agreement and looped her arm through Stephanie’s.

“absolutely, now let’s get inside before David thinks you kidnaped me” Jaslyn stated as she lead Stephanie through the front door of the house. They both laughed whole heartedly and headed into the kitchen. Stephanie glanced around the house, taking in the old fashion beauty of it all.

“God, I swear we have the same house. They look so much alike” Stephanie commented as she took a seat at the kitchen table. “Great minds think alike” Jaslyn replied just as David entered the room. “Well well well, the house is just over flowing with beauties today apparently” David said as he wrapped his arms around his wife from behind, leaning down to kiss her neck softly.

“You behave yourself little boy” Jaslyn stated, trying so hard to be firm, but the feel of her husbands lips on her neck was slowly driving her crazy. Stephanie smiled as she watched the two interact, she always loved observing them, the way they held each other, the way David would whisper in her ear and make Jaslyn blush and giggle. Stephanie felt her heart clench before she tore her gaze from them. She was so tired of waiting, she wanted someone to claim and be claimed by.

“Steph? Are you alright?” Jaslyn asked, a bit alarmed at the look on her friends face. Stephanie looked back up at them and smiled. “I’m fine, just thinking again, I have to stop doing that” she joked. “Come over here and give me some love” David demanded gently before taking Stephanie in his arms. “I’m so happy for you two, you guys are so wonderful together” Stephanie said as David placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.

“Thanks Steph, we’re very happy” David replied, his face completely beaming. Stephanie could never remember a time where David looked more happy. Stephanie backed up and felt her heart warm as David gently pulled Jaslyn to stand in front of him with her back to his chest.

“Mr and Mrs David Batista” Stephanie said as she studied them both. “Better believe it, and I’m never letting this scrumptious hunk of male go” Jaslyn said happily. David leaned down and kissed Jaslyn’s shoulder softly then trailed his lips up her neck. “you better knock that off before I make you finish what you start” Jaslyn playfully threatened before turning in his arms and placing a soft kiss on his lips.

“We’re gonna head out and do some shopping, so you go work out and get all nice and sweaty, we’ll be back in a few hours” Jaslyn said before hurrying into the living room with Stephanie hot on her heels. “What are we shopping for?” Stephanie asked as Jaslyn grabbed her purse. She turned to her best friend and slipped her hair out of the rubber band.

“angelface, Kane and Glenn are both vying for your attention plus you and Kane have a second date coming sometime soon I can only assume. You need clothes and some new lovely little things we can pick out of Freddrick’s of Hollywood and Victoria’s Secret” Jaslyn stated, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “are you suggesting I taunt them?” Stephanie asked, surprised. “No no no, not at all, I’m simply saying that you are a woman and need to feel like one as much as possible. Now let’s go” Jaslyn replied before taking her friends arm and hurrying them out of the house. Jaslyn and Stephanie got into Jaslyn’s 2006 black Lexus then sped out of the driveway, heading towards the highway and on towards the mall.

**********

Kane and Glenn had left Stephanie’s house and went back to Glenn’s house to most likely continue their arguing. “By the way, don’t worry, I won’t over stay my welcome” Kane growled as he stomped up the stairs towards his room. “You already are” Glenn mumbled to himself as he walked through the living room then out onto the back porch near the pool. Glenn walked over and settled down onto the diving board. He kicked off his shoes and socks and rolled his jeans up a little before dangling his feet into the water. He sighed heavily, trying to let the water calm him. He wanted to run back into the house and rip Kane’s head off, but he knew it would serve no purpose. ‘I just want him to leave Stephanie alone...is that so much to ask from a brother...even though we haven’t gotten along in years’ Glenn thought as he stared down at the clear, rippling water.

“Glenn...”

Glenn squeezed his eyes closed before opening them and looking over at his brother. “What Kane” Glenn said as he returned his gaze to the water. “We need to knock this off and just try and be civil to each other...for Stephanie, if not for each other” Kane offered, showing Glenn just how sincere he was being. Glenn glanced up at Kane then sighed heavily. “Fine...for Stephanie...you just need to promise me you won’t hurt her” Glenn demanded. Kane scoffed.

“Glenn why the fu-”, Kane held his temper and took a deep breath before trying once again, “I would never hurt her...she’s an angel, she’s sweet, she’s funny...I wouldn’t break a spirit like that”. Glenn nodded and watched as Kane walked back into the house. ‘I pray she doesn’t fall for him, for her safety’ Glenn thought as he stared at the empty doorway where Kane had retreated, ‘I pray’.

Chapter 12

Jaslyn and Stephanie bounced around form store to store at the mall, arguing over what looked good and what didn’t. Stephanie was convinced she needed to lose weight and Jaslyn was convinced she was going to smack her friend upside her head if she continued her ‘fat’ talk. They were currently in Freddrick’s of Hollywood and Stephanie and Jaslyn were inside separate changing rooms, trying on things they had picked for each other.

“Jaslyn, I’m gonna kill you” Stephanie hissed from her room. Jaslyn laughed and replied “oh you shut up, it’s red and black, you can’t go wrong with those colors. Now hurry up, I want to see how it looks.” Jaslyn finished putting on the blue lingerie Stephanie had chosen. “Okay, I’m coming out” Stephanie announced, her voice filled with reluctance. They both walked out and smiled evilly when they came into each other’s view.

“You look amazing” they said simultaneously before laughing. Stephanie wore a black and red Floral Applique Cami-set which was a very small black transparent belly shirt with little red roses near the bottom of the straps with transparent black panties the tied on both hips by thin red strings.

Jaslyn wore a baby blue Luxe Satin and Lace baby doll, which consisted of a top pulling Jaslyn’s breasts together, making them even more perky than they already were, which then flowed down open diagonally to show off her stomach. The top had lace ties between her breasts which were tied in a bow, and she worse baby blue silk panties which also tied on the sides like Stephanie’s.

“Jas...I look like a slut” Stephanie complained. “Oh would you...you look absolutely beautiful, Kane will DIE when he sees you in this” she retorted. “IF he sees me in this” Stephanie stated firmly as she walked back in her dressing room to study herself in the mirror more, chewing on her lower lip the entire time.

“It’s not too...revealing?” Stephanie asked, considering her breasts were in clear view, only obscured by the black nylon. “Trust me...if you and Kane turn into something more than friends, which I just have a feeling you will, he will fall over himself when he sees you in this” Jaslyn stated with complete honesty.

“Yeah well look at you little miss! When David sees you in that he’ll drag you back to Australia to continue your honeymoon” Stephanie stated before giggling. Jaslyn smiled mischievously and licked her lips as she thought of the things David and herself had done to each other while on their honeymoon.

“Hey hey hey, none of that, geez don’t get that thing dirty before you even buy it” Stephanie said before squealing when Jaslyn whacked her on her arm and shoved her friend back into her dressing room. “Get dressed you little slut before I take you over my knee” Jaslyn threatened.

“Oooh baby!” Stephanie teased, peaking around the wall at her best friend. Stephanie threw her head back with laughter when she saw jaslyn glaring at her playfully then shut the door to try on the next item Jaslyn had chose for her. They bought a few more items such as silk gowns, Teddy’s, panties, bras, and garters then headed to Charolette Rouse to buy some new clothes.

They grabbed some tight ripped jeans and tank tops as well as any pretty little dresses they saw that they just HAD to have. By the time they were finished, they had been shopping for three and a half hours and all of their hands were filled to their limit with bags from dozens of stores. “Well now that we’ve wiped our selves out of our money” Stephanie giggled as they headed towards Jaslyn’s car.

“Yeah, well we deserved this, we haven’t been shopping in months!” Jaslyn defended them. Stephanie nodded in agreement. They packed all the bags in the back of Jaslyn’s Lexus then headed back to her house. “So what’s up for the rest of the day, beautiful?” Stephanie asked.

“Well we definitely have to make brownies, ‘cause I’m craving some chocolate today. I’m not quite sure what we’ll have for dinner, but David said he can start the grill and make hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch. We could go mini golfing, see a movie, you could call Kane and set a day for your second date, or we could just stay in and...” Jaslyn babbled on and on before Stephanie interupted her.

“Whoa whoa, what did you say?” Stephanie asked. “Stay in?” Jaslyn asked innocently. “Before that” Stephanie stated, glaring at her friend. “See a movie?” Jaslyn asked, trying to hold back her laughter.

“No, AFTER that” Stephanie demanded. “Ooooooooh you mean the thing about Kane and your second date?” Jaslyn asked, acting as though she was completely oblivious as to why that suggestion unsettled Stephanie. “Yes, that one” Stephanie stated. “Well I just thought that since you are all situated in the clothing department, that you should show it off to Kane” Jaslyn said, her tone devious. Stephanie smiled and shook her head.

“You are just in LOVE with the idea of me ‘getting some’ aren’t you” Stephanie said as more of a statement than a question. “Well, it’s not all about ‘getting some’ even though that is a HUGE plus, I think you and Kane have chemistry from what you’ve told me of your first date, so I’m dying for you two to go out again...who knows what could happen” she explained. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she thought about her and Kane’s first date.

She could already feel her body melting as she recalled the way Kane had stared into her eyes and whispered the words ‘I’m crazy for you’. The look in his ebony eyes made her knees weak, her palms, seat, and her heart race. A blush rose in her cheeks as she remembered the way their bodies rubbed together when they dirty danced together. She bit her bottom lip harder as her body began to respond to the images flowing through her mind. She loved the way Kane had pulled her hair and pressed himself against her, she loved the way he panted in her ear and touched her with unrestrained hands.

“It was an amazing night” Stephanie admitted softly, a smile tugging at her lips. “See?” Jaslyn squealed, “you HAVE to call him and set a date.” Stephanie sighed heavily and nodded. “Fine, I’ll call him later on tonight” Stephanie decided. When they finally made it home, they were very thankful that David saw them driving up the driveway and came out to help them carry in their bags.

“Geez, you two think you have enough clothes for a few years?” David teased as he followed the girls up the porch. “Years? This will last us a month or two” Jaslyn replied before laughing when she heard David grumble from behind her. The three of them placed the bags down in the living room and Jaslyn and Stephanie plopped down on the couch, resting their bodies from all the walking they’d done.

“So are you girls in the mood for some of the best grilled food in the world?” David asked, smiling proudly. “Sure, where are we gonna go to get it?” Stephanie asked innocently. David glared at her before tossing a pillow at her head. Stephanie laughed and said “no no no, I’m just kidding, yes we would LOVE your famous hot dogs and hamburgers.” David nodded and kissed his wife before grabbing everything he needed from the kitchen then heading out to the back porch to start up his cooking.

“I’d give anything to see the look on his face when you show up in your bedroom in some of that lingerie we bought” Stephanie stated, giggling softly as she imagined it. Jaslyn licked her lips and tilted her head back. “Mmmmm, it’ll be a very delicious face I will tell you that much” Jaslyn stated, making Stephanie laugh harder.

Hours later, Jaslyn, Stephanie, and David had eaten lunch and Stephanie and Jaslyn were now sorting through the new clothes they had bought. “So are you done stalling?” Jaslyn asked as she folded her jeans and placed them in her dresser drawer. “stalling for what?” Stephanie asked with confusion as she gently folded her lingerie.

“Your stalling so you don’t have to call Kane” Jaslyn said as she sat down beside Stephanie on her bed. “I am not stalling” Stephanie denied. Jaslyn raised her eyebrows at her best friend. “Okay...I’ll call him, but I wasn’t stalling” Stephanie stated, pointing a finger in Jaslyn’s face. Jaslyn just shook her head as she laughed and grabbed the cordless phone from it’s cradle and handed it to Stephanie. She bit her bottom lip once again as she dialed Glenn’s house number. She was incredibly nervous as she listened to it ring and ring.

“Hello?” she heard Kane say. “Hi Kane, it’s Stephanie” she said, her voice a bit shaky. Kane smiled and held the phone closer to his ear. “Hey Steph, what can I do for your lovely self?” he asked. Stephanie blushed on the other end of the line. “Well I was just wondering if you had any day in mind for our second date” Stephanie said softly, her heat beating wildly in her chest. She couldn’t help but feel so nervous and giddy when it came to Kane, he made butterflies appear in her stomach which only one person had ever done to her, and that was Glenn.

“How about tomorrow night?” Kane asked, licking his lips hungrily as he listened to the sound of her sweet innocent voice. “Sounds perfect” Stephanie replied. “I’ll pick you up at the same time, only this time, wear something a bit more formal” Kane suggested. Stephanie smiled and pressed her lips together as she listened to his voice.

“Okay, I will” Stephanie replied. They talked for a moment more before saying their goodbyes reluctantly. “We’re going out tomorrow night” Stephanie informed Jaslyn. The girls immediately started looking through clothes to pick out what she would wear and going on and on about the first date Stephanie had gone on with Kane.



Kane smiled as he stood from his bed. He couldn’t believe Stephanie was so anxious to go out with him again. It sent tingles straight to Kane’s loins, but he managed to keep control of himself. “Tomorrow night will be a night she’ll never forget” Kane vowed before heading out of his bedroom.

Glenn hung up the phone and sighed heavily after listening to Kane and Stephanie’s conversation. He had picked up the phone, about to call Stephanie at Jaslyn’s but halted when he realized Kane was on the phone. He started to pull it away from his ear and hang up but pulled it back when he heard Stephanie’s voice. He couldn’t believe that Kane was going out with her again after the sincerity of what Kane had said to him earlier.

“God, why doesn’t she take this slow? She needs to know what kind of man Kane really is” Glenn whispered to himself. He stood and headed into the living room to read one of Stephanie’s already published books and wait for Kane to come down and rub his date with Stephanie in his face.

“Guess what bro?” Kane said as he descended the stairs. Glenn cringed and growled softly. “If it’s about Stephanie...” Glenn said regretfully, “I don’t want to know.”

Chapter 13

Jaslyn and Stephanie spent the entire day talking, watching comedy movies, and lounging lazily around the house. “This day has been amazing Jas” Stephanie stated as she lowered herself deeper into the warm water and bubbles of the bath her and Jaslyn were taking.

“I love bubble baths” Jaslyn said before blowing a handful of bubbles into Stephanie’s face. “Thaaaanks” Stephanie grumbled as she wiped them from her face. They both laughed and reclined against the sides of the tub. “You have no idea how happy I am for you and David...you two seem so happy together, so perfect” Stephanie said softly as she gazed down at the bubbles. Jaslyn turned her head, studying her best friends face.

“We are honey...you’ll find Mister Perfect, don’t worry...hey, maybe Kane IS Mister Perfect for all we know” Jaslyn said softly, “or...maybe it’s even Glenn.” Stephanie looked up into her friends eyes and smiled. “It’s one of them...I at least know that much. I love Glenn so much and I could never imagine life without him, but Kane...god I feel so amazing when I’m around him...it’s so weird...God I don’t know what to do” Stephanie said before groaning and running her hands through her damp hair.

“Well just let it play out, that’s my opinion. If you let things just run there natural course, then you don’t have to make any decisions, fate will make them for you” Jaslyn stated confidently. Stephanie giggled softly and nodded.

“I definitely agree” Stephanie replied. They spent a bit more time talking and relaxing in the steaming water before rinsing off and getting out. Jaslyn and Stephanie changed into their sleep pants and tank tops before making popcorn and gathering all their snacks. “Where’s David?” Stephanie asked as her and Jaslyn set up all the snacks on the large bed in Jaslyn’s room.

“He should be grabbing the soda” Jaslyn said as she glanced over her shoulder at the bedroom door. “Well I’ll go get him, I have to grab my milky ways from the kitchen anyway” Stephanie said before walking out of the room then down the stairs towards the kitchen. “David?” Stephanie called out.

“Looking for me?” David said as he stepped in front of her. Stephanie gasped and pressed her hand to her chest. “Yes and THANK YOU for almost giving me a heart attack” Stephanie said before giggling. David chuckled and replied “sorry Steph, I’ll be up stairs with Jas, hurry your butt up or we’re starting the movie without you.”

Stephanie laughed softly and shook her head as David walked up the stairs. She hurried over to a cabinet and pulled it open, smiling when she saw her favorite candy. She grabbed the bag and closed the cabinet, but instead of heading back up the stairs, she paused near the door to the far end of the kitchen that lead to the backyard.

Stephanie looked out over the field as rain softly pattered against the window. She was always fond of rain and lightning didn’t bother her, but thunder was never something she enjoyed. Just as that thought left her mind, a sickening crash of thunder rolled through the sky and straight to her heart, making her body quiver a bit. She pulled herself away from the door and started heading towards the stairs, not wanting to be alone anymore, but was stopped when a bright flash of lightning struck and more thunder crashed in her ears. Not a moment later, every light in Jaslyn and David’s house went out.

“Damn it” Stephanie cursed under her breath. “Jaslyn! David!” she called out too softly, her voice extremely shaky. Stephanie was petrified of the dark, but she tried her best to keep calm. “Just relax, there’s nothing to be afraid of in the light and there’s nothing to be afraid of in the dark” Stephanie said softly to herself.

“Except Kane” a deep voice rumbled from behind her. Stephanie screamed and spun around, stumbling backwards from the shock. Two large hands grabbed her by her arms and she was pulled against a hard chest. Stephanie knew that voice anywhere, even though it was extremely slurred. “Glenn?” she asked fearfully, “what the hell is going on?”. Glenn leaned down and pressed his forehead to Stephanie’s.

“you have to listen to me” Glenn slurred, the smell of Jack Daniels permeating his breath. “Glenn, why the hell have you been drinking? You never get drunk like this” Stephanie asked, trying to block out the bit of pain her arms were feeling from Glenn’s tight grip.

“I’m not DUNK! Just listen to me! Don’t go out with Kane” Glenn demanded. “Glenn, your drunk, just calm down and...” Stephanie started to say but was cut off my Glenn’s lips crashing down on her’s. Stephanie whimpered as she tried to bring her hands up against his chest to push him away but Glenn held her hands behind her back.

She felt Glenn’s tongue sweep over her lips and she thought maybe if she kissed him, and gave him at least this, he might calm down and stop this nonsense. She opened her mouth for him and kissed him back, their tongues sweeping together as Glenn pressed his growing arousal against her. Stephanie tried to bring her hands around to the front of her but Glenn still held them tightly in place. He tore his mouth away from her’s and attached his lips to her neck.

“Glenn...why are you doing this?” Stephanie asked, subtly trying to free her hands. “You can’t go out with Kane...don’t Stephanie” Glenn mumbled before bending down and throwing Stephanie over his shoulder. “Glenn! Put me down!” Stephanie demanded as Glenn made his way easily through the dark. He laid her down on the couch in the living room and immediately laid on top of her, resting between her legs.

“Glenn stop” Stephanie finally said as she pressed her hands against Glenn’s chest. “Just stay with me Stephanie” Glenn pleaded, his words almost unintelligible. He pressed his lips to her’s once more and shoved his tongue passed her lips, into her mouth. Stephanie whimpered and tried to push him away, but Glenn grabbed her hands and held them above her head. Stephanie tried in vain to pull her arms free of Glenn’s grasp but he was just too strong. Glenn pulled his lips away from her’s and started sliding his free hand down her body.

“Glenn please” Stephanie whispered. Glenn’s eyes raised to meet her’s and he completely froze when he saw the fear and resistance in her eyes. “Steph...” he whispered, “I’m sorry...I didn’t mean...”. Glenn rose from the couch, releasing Stephanie as he backed away from her. He shook his head and ran his hands over his head as his shoulders gently began to shake. He was crying. Stephanie shot up off the couch and slid her arms around Glenn’s waist. She lead him back to the couch and sat down before helping Glen lay down over her.

“Shhhh, it’s okay Glenn. Calm down sweetheart...God I’m so sorry” she whispered as she placed soft kisses on his smooth head. Glenn’s bloodshot, dazed eyes gleamed up at her. “I’m sorry Stephanie” he slurred as he snuggled his head against her shoulder. Stephanie smiled softly down at him and held him close, whispering soothing words to him until she felt him drift off to sleep in her arms.

“God Glenn, is it really so horrible that I date Kane? What are you doing to yourself? Why is he so terrible?” she whispered as she stroked his chest gently, loving how it rose and fell with his peaceful breaths.

After another half hour of soothing him to make sure his sleep and dreams were peaceful, she somehow slipped out from under him. Stephanie slid Glenn’s shoes, jeans, and shirt off before draping a blanket over him and making sure his head was comfortably laying on a pillow.

“Sweet dreams Glenn” she whispered before heading back up the stairs, just as Jaslyn was descending them. “What the hell are you doing down here?” Jaslyn asked, completely baffled as to what would hold her friend up for so long. Stephanie sighed heavily and took Jaslyn’s hand, taking her down the stairs and into the living room. “Why is Glenn sleeping on my couch?” Jaslyn asked, becoming even more confused by the moment.

“He came here looking for me. He’s completely drunk, he kept going on and on about how I can’t go out with Kane, then he started trying to kiss me and touch me, but I know the alcohol made him do that because I told him to stop and he didn’t. He would never do anything like that to me normally. He’ll be fine, is it okay for him to stay here and sleep it off?” Stephanie asked, looking hopefully at her best friend.

“Of course” Jaslyn replied as she draped an arm over Stephanie’s shoulders. She sighed and shook her head. “This is definitely not like Glenn to try and drink any problems away” Jaslyn stated confidently. Stephanie nodded in agreement as she studied Glenn’s peaceful face.

“We can save the movie for some other night if you want sweetheart, stay with him incase he needs you” Jaslyn insisted. “But it’s supposed to be OUR night together, without men” Stephanie protested. Jaslyn nodded, “yes but he needs you, what if he gets sick? You can help him, I know you want to Steph, trust me, it’s just fine with me.” Stephanie could see the insistence in her best friends eyes and finally nodded.

“Fine, I’ll stay down here with him” Stephanie stated. Stephanie hurried up the stairs to grab a few things before running back down to the living room. She hugged Jaslyn goodnight before making a bed on the couch across from the couch Glenn was currently asleep on.

Stephanie cuddled up beneath the blankets and watched Glenn’s fully relaxed body until she finally drifted off to sleep. However, her sleep didn’t last more than a few hours before she was startled awake by Glenn stumbling off the couch. She grabbed his arm and helped him to the bathroom then sat with him for over an hour as he emptied his stomach. She rubbed his back soothingly and talked to him to keep him awake, not wanting him to fall asleep as such a time.

Stephanie begged him to come back and sleep on the couch but he stubbornly resisted, wanting to lay on the bathroom floor, so she ventured back into the living room and entered the bathroom holding pillows and blankets. She tucked his pillow under his head and wrapped him in a blanket before setting up herself a little bed beside him.

Glenn groaned loudly as his eyes fluttered open, coming face to face with Stephanie. “What the hell?” he muttered as he looked around him, despite the insistent pounding in his head. He couldn’t exactly figure out why on earth he was laying on the bathroom floor with a blanket and pillow and why Stephanie was sleeping beside him.

He rubbed his face with his hands, trying to scrub away the feeling of sickness that was clutching his stomach. He lowered his hands and was met by two beautiful green eyes smiling up at him.

“Feeling any better?” Stephanie asked softly as she slid her hand over Glenn’s stomach. He stared down into her eyes, confused. “What’s going on?” he asked softly, his head pounding too hard for him to speak loudly. Stephanie sat up and stretched her arms above her head, her body feeling sore from sleeping on a hard tile floor.

“We’re at Jaslyn’s...you came over last night to talk to me, I think” Stephanie explained. Glenn saw the hesitation in her eyes as she explained the situation and quirked an eyebrow at her, wondering as to why she looked uncomfortable. “Stephanie, tell me the truth, what’s going on?” Glenn asked before groaning as he pulled himself up to a sitting position. Stephanie averted her eyes to the floor as she sighed heavily.

“You...last night you came in...completely drunk. You kept demanding that I don’t go out with Kane and then...” Stephanie said, pausing when she remembered the way he held her down on the couch. “Tell me honey” Glenn begged softly as he scooted towards her, resting his hands on her leg. She bit her bottom lip and rested her hands on his, stroking his soft warm skin.

“You carried me over to the couch and laid on top of me. You started kissing me and touching me...I started to get a little scared and you finally stopped to look at me. I could tell you knew I was getting afraid, you stopped and just started apologizing and got up but I laid you back down on the couch and cuddled with you until you fell asleep” Stephanie told him, finally raising her eyes to meet his. Glenn was frozen as he stared into her beautiful emerald eyes.

“Dear God...” he whispered as he ran his right hand over his smooth head, “Steph...God I’m so sorry.” “It’s okay Glenn...nothing happened” Stephanie insisted. “It could have...God I never get drunk, I shouldn’t have done that” Glenn growled, absolutely sick at his actions, “Stephanie you need to understand that I would never hurt you.” Stephanie leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Glenn’s lips.

“It’s okay Glenn, I know that you would never hurt me in any way, shape, or form” she replied. Glenn reached out and took Stephanie in his arms, placing her in his lap so he could hold her. He repeatedly kissed the top of her head as he whispered words of apology.

“Don’t worry sweetheart...maybe we should get you home” Stephanie suggested. Glenn sighed heavily before nodding in agreement. “I’ll drive home and go sleep this off” Glenn said as he grabbed the sink to help pull himself to his feet. He staggered for a moment but quickly steadied with Stephanie’s help. “I’m fine” Glenn insisted.

“No, I’ll ask Jaslyn if I can take her car and I’ll drive you home” Stephanie said as they walked into the living room. Glenn sat on the couch and carefully slid on his clothes while Stephanie hurried up the stairs then into Jaslyn and David’s bedroom. She stopped for a moment and smiled when she saw the two newlyweds snuggled under blankets, holding each other.

Jaslyn’s hair was tousled around her shoulders and David’s arms were around her, pressing her close against his bare body which was hidden under the covers. Stephanie felt her heart clench at the sight of them. Every time she saw a couple together, loving each other, it made a yearning awaken inside her that she tried so hard to forget about.

The books she wrote helped her release her love and desires upon her characters in her stories, as well as giving her imagination free range on it’s abilities. She hated to wake Jaslyn considering it was still early in the morning but she didn’t want to take her car without asking. She made her way over to her best friend and gently shook her shoulder.

“Jaslyn” Stephanie whispered. Her friend stirred and blinked a few times. “Steph? Is everything okay?” she asked. “Everything’s fine, I just wanted to know if I could use your car to drive Glenn home. I don’t want him driving” Stephanie asked. Jaslyn smiled and nodded.

“Of course” she replied. Stephanie told her she would be back after and get more sleep on the couch then Jaslyn snuggled back up to her husband as Stephanie took her keys off the bedside table and left. She drove Glenn home then helped him inside.

“Get some rest sweetheart, just rest and call me later, let me know your alright” Stephanie demanded gently as she slid Glenn’s shoes off then stripped him down to his boxers. “I could’ve done that Steph” Glenn insisted as he smiled softly up at her. Stephanie returned the smile and leaned down to place a soft kiss on his luscious lips.

“Sleep Glenn” Stephanie whispered as she pulled the covers over his body. She walked over to the window and drew the shades closed, shrouding the room in darkness. Stephanie walked back over to Glenn and smiled when she saw him already drifting off to sleep. “Sweet dreams my Glenn” Stephanie whispered before kissing his forehead then his lips. She silently made her way out of his room then walked down the stairs and out of the house, heading back to Jaslyn’s house.

Kane glared at the front door which Stephanie quitted. ‘He’s pathetic, he had to get drunk and have her take care of him for her to give a damn about him’ Kane thought angrily as he shut himself back up in his room and crawled into bed. He had heard the front door open and peeked out to see Stephanie helping Glenn into his room. Kane couldn’t stand the site of Stephanie with Glenn.

‘Tonight is our second date...it’ll be the greatest night of that little girls life’ Kane thought before letting himself drift back to sleep.

Chapter 14

Stephanie sighed as she paced around Jaslyn’s bedroom. Jaslyn was sitting on her and David’s bed, contemplating everything Stephanie had told her. Stephanie had come back after she dropped Glenn off at home and slept for a few hours on the couch. “Why would Glenn do that?” Jaslyn whispered, more to Stephanie than herself. “He wouldn’t have done it if he wasn’t drunk” Stephanie replied before taking a seat beside her. “Are you still going out with Kane tonight?” Jaslyn asked. She bit her bottom lip and studied the floor, pondering.

“Well I can’t just not go out with him because Glenn said not to” Stephanie stated, trying to reason everything out to herself, “I mean, Kane has never done anything wrong to me. I don’t know what happened in the past between them to make them hate each other, but he’s been nothing but sweet and devilishly charming.” Jaslyn giggled when she saw her friend going up to cloud nine in her mind.

“Hey, get back down to earth, we’re not done yet” Jaslyn demanded, snapping her fingers in Stephanie’s face. They both laughed when Stephanie came back. I can’t help it, he’s so incredible...his body, his mind, his voice, his eyes, and God...that smile” Stephanie fell back to lay flat on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Jaslyn chewed the inside of her lips, restraining herself from blurting out everything that Glenn had told her about Kane. She knew Glenn would tell her, Jaslyn felt it wasn’t her place to say.

“Well, I think you should go out with him tonight and figure out how you feel tomorrow...just make sure that if you fall desperately in love with Kane, don’t hurt Glenn in the process. You two are as close as close can be...like us” Jaslyn suggested, placing her hand on Stephanie’s. She smiled up at her and clutched her friends hand. “Sounds good to me beautiful” Stephanie replied before sitting up and hugging her best friend tightly. “Anytime angelface, anytime” Jaslyn whispered.

Stephanie gathered her things and headed back to her house, needing to shower and eat something before she wrote more of her story. She picked up the cordless phone and dialed Glenn’s number as she moved around he kitchen, making lunch. “What...” she heard Glenn mumbled into the phone.

“Hey sweetheart?” she asked. “Stephanie...sorry darlin, I didn’t mean to sound so mean” Glenn apologized as he stroked his temple. “Feeling any better?” Stephanie asked, listening to Glenn’s soft breathing on the other end.

“A little, my head is killing me though” he replied as he turned over onto his back. Kane gripped the receiver tightly in his hand as he listened to Stephanie and Glenn talk. He was starting to get extremely sick of letting Stephanie and Glenn interact. He would be damned if he would let Glenn steal Glenn right out from under him. Kane slammed the phone down in it’s cradle and stalked out of the house to prepare things for later that night.

“Take a shower or a bath honey, it’ll help” Stephanie suggested as she headed into the living room with her bowl of macaroni and cheese. Glenn chuckled and replied “I’m a little too old to take a bath.” “Hey, I still take baths” Stephanie retorted. Glenn smirked as he closed his eyes, taking that comment deep into his thoughts. “Bubble baths?” Glenn asked slyly. Stephanie blushed and shook her head.

“Your bad even when your hung over” Stephanie said before giggling. “I try” he replied. “Well I’m going to eat my lunch and then write more of my story but I’ll call you later when I get home tonight” Stephanie said but immediately regretted her words. “Where are you going tonight?” Glenn asked, feeling a knot tying in the pit of his stomach.

“I’m...I’m going out on a second date with Kane” Stephanie said softly, her voice falling to a whisper. Glenn sighed with pure agitation into the phone, causing Stephanie to cringe. “Glenn...I’m sorry...I didn’t want to tell you...I didn’t want to make you upset” she said softly.

“Don’t Steph...you don’t have to explain yourself to me. Have fun tonight” Glenn stated blandly before hanging up. Stephanie pulled the phone away from her ear as she felt tears burning the back of her eyes. “Please Glenn” she whispered as she hung it up and set it down on the coffee table, “I knew I shouldn’t have said anything to him.” She looked down at her food, suddenly not having as much as an appetite as she had at first. She sighed and carried her food back into the kitchen to cover it with plastic wrap then stick it in the refrigerator.

She spent the next few hours writing her story, fighting the urge to toss her pen and paper when Glenn continued to waft through her mind. She hated having Glenn upset with her, it broke her heart and her concentration.

“Damn it” she cursed as she slammed her fist down on the paper, “just call him.” Stephanie glanced over at the phone as her hands clenched into fists, itching to pick it up and call him. “He has no right to be mad at you, actually yes he does considering your dating his brother, but still he shouldn’t be mad at me” Stephanie mumbled to herself, arguing out reasons. She glanced at the clock and noticed the time.

“SHIT!” she shouted as she closed her notebook and shot off her bed, hurrying into the bathroom to take a shower. Kane was picking her up for their date in an hour and she was nowhere near ready. She showered then dressed in a red silk spaghetti strapped that stopped at mid thigh. Her black high healed shoes laced up her calves and her hair was pulled up in a high pony tail with a few curled strands left down, framing her face perfectly. She wore a gold necklace with a gold cross hanging on the chain but decided against earrings. They agitated her ears.

Stephanie mumbled, trying not to hurry too much as she applied a little bit of make up which included blush, mascara, and lips gloss. She was never very partial to make up but wore it when she felt it was necessary and even then, she kept things simple and natural. Stephanie squealed with nervousness when she heard the doorbell ring. She grabbed her small black purse then hurried down the stairs, making sure not to slip in her heals then stopped in front of the door to catch her breath before slowly opening it.

She tried her best to keep her eyes from popping out of her head and her jaw from hitting the floor. Kane was wearing all black, a silk shirt which buttoned up the front, dress pants, and recently shined black dress shoes. A silver watch adorned his left wrist and a silver chain necklace was around his neck.

Her eyes scanned over Kane’s body, taking him in fully and almost swooning at how amazing he looked. Kane’s breath hitched in his throat when Stephanie opened the door. He was oblivious to the affect he was having on Stephanie, considering he was just as affected by her as she was to him. Her dress hugged her curves deliciously while a few strands of her hair framed her angelic face. Stephanie’s arms and legs looked smooth and soft to the touch, making his hands itch to reach out and caress her.

“Wow...you look absolutely incredible Stephanie” Kane said softly as he approached her. Stephanie looked up into his eyes and smiled softly, a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Thank you, you look...amazing yourself” Stephanie replied softly, her eyes still scanning over him, wanting to memorize every inch of him. She could almost feel her temperature rising as his eyes devoured her.

“Shall we?” Kane asked as he offered her his arm. Stephanie smiled up into his eyes and slowly looped her arm with his. “We shall” she replied softly before pulling the door closed behind her. Kane returned her smile and lead Stephanie to his truck, then helped her into her seat. He walked over to the drivers side, got in, and drove out of the driveway towards the restaurant.

“So where are we going?” Stephanie asked, her voice soft and sweet to Kane’s ears. He glanced over at her and smiled. “It’s a surprise” he replied as his right hand slid over to her and intertwined her hand with his. Stephanie glanced down at their joined hands and smiled up at him.

“I like surprises” Stephanie stated. Kane turned on the radio and let soft country music waft through he car. Stephanie’s heart completely melted when they arrived at a beautiful Italian restaurant. She was thrilled to know that Kane’s heart was one of a true romantic. He opened the door for her and helped her down before leading her inside. “Would you like to dine inside or outside tonight?” the host asked, his voice heavily accented. Kane looked down at her and raised his eyebrows. “Whatever you’d like Steph” Kane stated.

“Outside” she stated after a moment of thought. The host lead them outside to a small, yet elegant table which was perfectly placed under the full moon. “Perfect” Kane whispered in Stephanie’s ear as he stood behind her, A shiver of pleasure ran down her spine at the feel of his warm breath on her skin. After the host set down menus, Kane excused him, wanting to seat Stephanie himself. He smiled down into her eyes as his arms slipped around her waist.

“I can’t get over how beautiful you look Stephanie...but then again I have that problem every time I see you” Kane whispered as he caressed her lower back. Stephanie’s entire body was on fire at Kane’s soft yet strong touch. She looked up into his eyes as her heart beat more rapidly.

“Are you trying to flatter me?” she asked softly, her eyes shifting up to meet his gaze. Kane smiled and shook his head. “No...it’s only flattery if I don’t mean it...but I mean it. You take my breath away Stephanie. I...I only came here to visit my brother, but I never thought that I would meet someone like you while I’m here” Kane said softly as he tilted her head back by her chin, “I’ve never felt like this before.” Stephanie bit her bottom lip softly as she looked deep into his eyes, her heart melting at the sincerity she saw flowing through them.

“I know exactly how you feel. Every time I see you I feel like my heart skips a beat. You always make tingles run down my spine and that first time you kissed me, I thought I was definitely on fire” Stephanie replied softly before a blush rose in her cheeks and her eyes averted to the ground, “and I can’t believe I just said that to you.” Kane chuckled softly and turned her head back towards him.

“No worries love, always feel free and able to tell me anything. I feel like I could tell you everything, ever little secret” he stated before sliding his hands down her arms then encircling her waist. Stephanie felt her knees weaken as Kane touched her, wishing she could feel his hands touching her everywhere, loving her everywhere. Kane took Stephanie’s hand in his and lead her towards the table slowly before pulling out her chair and seating her. Their meals were incredibly delicious but left just enough room for dessert.

“Layered Chocolate-Zabaglione Cream Cakes” the waiter announced before setting them down in the center of the table. Stephanie licked her lips anxiously at the dessert, unlike Kane who was licking his lips at her instead. She went to reach for one but Kane shooed her hand away and picked one up instead. He smiled at her, the corners of his eyes wrinkling adorably as he leaned over the table and held the little cake up for her to enjoy.

Stephanie felt a blush creep into her cheek shyly as she leaned forward and took a slow bite. She moaned softly at the delicious taste and watched, mesmerized as Kane took the rest into his mouth. She wasn’t quite sure what she enjoyed more, the taste of the chocolate or the glimpse she got of Kane’s tongue.

“Absolutely delicious” Stephanie stated, blushing when she realized that Kane knew she meant more than the food. She picked up another cake and this time held it up for Kane to eat. Kane smirked before taking a slow bite, making sure to let his tongue graze her finger tips. A pang of pleasure exploded through her body at the feel of his soft tongue touching her skin. She took the rest of the cake into her own mouth, making sure to lick her fingers incase some of Kane’s saliva remained there. Kane tried to control his body as he watched Stephanie lick her fingers, the sight of her pink tongue driving him wild. “What would you like to do after dinner?” Kane asked as he slid his hands across the table, taking her tiny ones in his. Stephanie felt her body warm considerably as Kane’s hands surrounded her’s.

“well we could go back to my house if you’d like and talk or if you have something else in mind...” Stephanie suggested a bit nervously. Kane smiled at her, and caressed her hands lovingly. “That sounds good to me” he replied. Once they finished dinner, Kane picked up the check before helping Stephanie back into his truck and heading towards her house.

“There’s no place like home” Stephanie stated softly before giggling as they entered. Kane licked his lips subtly as he watched her move into the living room, her delicious backside swaying as she walked. Kane followed her and took a seat beside her on the large couch. “Did you enjoy dinner?” Kane asked as he slid his arm over her shoulders and pulled her gently to his side. Stephanie smiled up into his eyes as she snuggled her body against his.

“Everything was absolutely wonderful” she replied, her eyes sparkling up at him. Kane’s eyes flickered between her eyes and full luscious lips, tempted to take possession of her mouth. “Kiss me” Stephanie whispered, her for so soft that Kane almost missed her words. He watched as her lashes lowered against her cheek and immediately lowered his mouth to her’s.

Stephanie’s body completely melted at the mere touch of his lips on her’s and eagerly pressed her body against his. Kane’s hands slid down her shoulders and gently gripped her waist before pulling her into his lap, straddling him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he slid his hands up her back, their tongues feverishly dueling. Stephanie couldn’t help but whimper softly at the incredible taste of Kane. A shiver ran down her spine as a hazy cloud of desire settled over her mind. The way Kane’s tongue was teasing her mouth and his hands were running over her back and thighs was enough to make her forget her own name.

“I won’t go too far...I promise” Kane whispered when he broke the kiss for a moment. He looked deep into her eyes, loving how they deepened to a forest green with such pure desire and need. He carefully pulled the hair tie from Stephanie’s hair, letting her red locks flow down her back in luscious waves. It took Stephanie a moment to comprehend that Kane had even said anything, then nodded her head in agreement. ‘So black’ she thought dazedly when she looked into Kane’s eyes, feeling her body tingle with pleasure at the hunger she saw on his face.

He slanted his mouth back over her’s as his large hands gripped her waist, massaging the feminine flare of her perfect hips. Stephanie whimpered loudly into his mouth when his right hand slid up her stomach to cup one of her breasts. Kane felt himself grow harder, loving the way she fit perfectly to him. He gently flipped her over onto her back, her head resting against a couch pillow as he sat back on his knees, staring down at her as his large broad chest heft from his aroused breathing.

Kane carefully, torturously slowly, untied Stephanie’s dress shoes, unlacing the ribbon around her calve then pulling the shoe away from her cute little feet. He couldn’t help but admire just how cute and tiny they looked. He licked his lips before leaning down to gently kiss each of her toes then slowly up her calve.

He pulled back and repeated the process with her other leg then settled himself over her body to take her delicious mouth once more. He groaned when he felt her hands slide over his sides then up and down his back. Stephanie was delirious with pleasure, her body tingling as she awaited his next move. She arched her back into his hands as he cupped both her breasts in his hands and began to massage them, her nipples immediately hardening to little peaks.

“So sensitive” Kane murmured against her lips. Stephanie whimpered as Kane leaned down and began to torture her neck, nibbling, kissing, and sucking on her tender flesh. Stephanie curled her legs around Kane’s, holding him close to her. Her body was tingling all over, Kane’s lips and tongue sending tremors throughout her, making her writhe under him.

He slowly slid his right hand down her side then over her thigh before inching his hand up underneath her dress. He lifted his head to look into her eyes, asking permission to move further. Stephanie looked into his eyes, her’s completely clouded over with lust as she nodded her head. Kane kissed her lips softly before continuing his assault on her neck. He slid his hand underneath her crimson dress and caressed her inner thigh, savoring the way her entire body trembled.

“Do you like me touching you like this, Stephanie?” he groaned in her ear as he cupped her panty covered sex. She whimpered and bucked her hips into his hand. “Yes” she whimpered, her eyes closed and her head tossed back. Kane chuckled mischievously before nibbling on her neck, which rewarded him with another loud noise of pleasure.

He slowly pulled her panties aside, exposing her feminine sex to his touch. Kane slid his finger tips up her slit before rubbing her more thoroughly to lubricate his finger. Stephanie was whimpering, gently tossing her head from side to side as Kane tormented her with pleasure.

“Please Kane” Stephanie whispered. He attached his lips to her neck and started sucking on it hard as he slowly slid a finger inside her dripping wet core. “Mmmm, so tight” Kane groaned in her ear before tracing his tongue over it and nibbling on her earlobe. The way Kane’s finger was stretching her walls was a tad over whelming in itself as Stephanie laid there, writhing in pleasure. She couldn’t believe how amazing it felt to have him inside her.

“Deeper” Stephanie begged softly. Kane placed a soft kiss on her lips and shook his head. “Not too deep love, I wouldn’t want to take your innocence this way” Kane said softly before kissing her lips once more. Stephanie looked deep into his eyes, wondering how in the world he knew she was a virgin, but pushed her thoughts aside so she could concentrate on the pleasure he was giving.

She arched her back and whimpered when Kane began to slide his finger in and out of her while his free hand cupped one of her breasts. She bucked her hips frantically to his hand, as she moaned out his name and begged him to move faster. Kane obliged and began slamming his finger in and out of her, causing her to buck her hips up wildly to match his pace.

She gripped onto his shoulders, almost digging her nails into his skin at the enthralling pleasure that was crashing down on her. Kane watched the expressions cross her face and felt himself become even more aroused than he already was but swore to himself that that night was about her pleasure only, not his. He leaned down and resumed his assault on her neck from earlier since she seemed to enjoy it so much.

Stephanie felt her entire body tightening and recoiling as Kane thrust his finger inside her. She never felt such sensations in her life and the pleasure was almost unbearable. She was just about to beg him to stop when her world around her completely exploded into a supernova of pleasure. She tossed her head back and bucked her hips up as she cried out Kane’s name, clutching to him tightly so she wouldn’t fly up too high in the heavens, in fear she wouldn’t be able to find her way back.

Kane pleasured her through her orgasm and slow his movements until he finally slid free from her warmth. Kane studied her beautiful flushed face as he slowly licked his fingers clean, savoring every drop of her delicious juices he could.

“Kane...” Stephanie whispered as her eyes fluttered open. She felt her body tighten once more as she watched him lick his fingers clean. “That was...absolutely incredible” she whispered as she tried to catch her breath. Kane smiled into her eyes and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Anything for you, love” Kane replied softly as he fixed her panties back into place and lowered her dress back down. “But what about you? You didn’t exactly get any pleasure out of that” Stephanie pointed out, feeling selfish for excepting the pleasure he offered her so greedily without offering him anything in return. “Trust me Stephanie, giving you pleasure gives me much more pleasure than you could ever imagine” he replied, smoothing her hair out of her face with his left hand. Once they both fully calmed and Stephanie regained all the feelings in her limbs, she sat up and cuddled up to Kane’s side.

“Did I cross any boundaries?” Kane asked hesitantly, worried that he had done something wrong to instigate Stephanie’s silence. She tilted her head back and smiled into his eyes.

“No, of course not, I’m just thinking is all...I just want to be close to you” Stephanie replied softly as she rubbed her head against his shoulder. Kane nodded at her words, relief flooding his body, helping him relax. Stephanie couldn’t take her eyes off Kane. The amazing pleasure he had just given her was so undescribable and she felt extremely closer to him.

“Thank you” she said softly. Kane cocked his head gently to the side and asked “for what angel?” She smiled and placed a loving kiss on his lips. “For showing me pleasure and trust that I have never given or received from anyone in my life” she stated, caressing his large bicep. He slid free from her embrace and stood before scooping her up in his arms. “Your very welcome Stephanie. And thank you for trusting me and...” Kane paused and looked deep into her beautiful emerald eyes, “and for giving me someone to care about.” Stephanie’s eyes widened a bit at his words, feeling her heart swell. She was thrilled to know that Kane was not just trying to make her be another notch in his bed post, but he actually cared for her.

“You amaze me more and more every minute” Stephanie said softly, giggling. Kane chuckled softly and kissed her forehead as he carried her up the stairs towards her bedroom. “I’m good at that. Did you actually think I would do anything like that to you if I didn’t care about you? You mean more to me than you think Steph” Kane confessed before setting her down in the upstairs hallway.

“You better go shower and get to bed, you must be tired” Kane suggested as he stroked her silky hair. Stephanie reluctantly nodded in agreement as she ran her hands down his chest. “I have to get a lot of writing down tomorrow, I just wish you didn’t have to go” Stephanie stated softly with a sigh. Kane smiled down at her before capturing her lips in a passionate, mountain moving kiss. Stephanie didn’t want to let go of him, didn’t want the kiss to end as his hands caressed her arms. He reluctantly broke the kiss then placed one more on her forehead before pulling her into his arms.

“I don’t want to start anything” Kane chuckled as he rubbed Stephanie’s back. She giggled and held him tightly before releasing him. “Call me tomorrow sometime...anytime” Stephanie demanded before winking at him. Kane nodded and took her hand in his. “Anything for my princess” he said sweetly before placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. A shiver coursed through her body as the feel of such an innocent kiss after a not so innocent act of pleasuring in her living room.

“Goodnight my angel” Kane said softly, leaning down to steal one more kiss. “Goodnight my prince” Stephanie replied before she watched him walk down the stairs then turn to head for the front door. He turned and cast her one more wonderfully seductive look with a wink before opening the door, locking it, and closing it behind him. Stephanie whimpered softly as a smile spread across her face. She hurried into her bedroom and flung herself down onto her bed before she started flailing and squealing.

“AMAZING!” she shouted to herself as she sprawled out. She sighed heavily and couldn’t for the life of her wipe the grin off her face. “Kane...this is all just beginning, WE are just beginning” she said softly to herself before hopping off her bed and heading into the bathroom to take a nice long bubble bath.

*********

Glenn watched as Kane finally walked through the front door. “Where have you been?” Glenn asked. “Sorry I’m late mommy, am I gonna be grounded?” Kane asked sarcastically. Glenn rolled his eyes and turned off the tv to head up to bed. “Hope you had fun, because your not going out with her anymore, you just want to screw her then toss her aside like garbage” Glenn muttered to himself as he walked up the stairs towards his room.

“Say shit to my face next time instead of mumbling your way up to your room like a little bitch” Kane shouted up to him before following him. Glenn stopped and took deep breaths to calm his rising temper.

He knew Kane was just trying to instigate him and make him angry but Glenn refused to let him. He walked into his room and slammed the door behind him. Kane chuckled as he settled into his room.

He showered and slid into bed with images of Stephanie in agonizing pleasure coursing through his minds eye. It made for some wonderful dreams. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow when he would make one of the best decisions of his life.

Chapter 15

Stephanie smiled when she entered Glenn’s gym. It had been a few days since her last workout and it felt wonderful to be back. She immediately went into the locker room to set her back down and walked out, heading towards the punching bags. Stephanie halted at when the bags came into her sight. There was Glenn, pounding away at the heaviest bag like there was no tomorrow. Stephanie felt a bit apprehensive about approaching him with the look he had in his eyes. ‘What made him so upset?’ she thought to herself as she cautiously walked towards him.

“Glenn?” she said softly. He continued to pound away at the bag, maybe even harder. “Glenn?” she repeated a bit louder. He immediately paused and looked towards her, his eyes filled with such intensity that it made Stephanie take a step back.

“Is everything okay?” she asked before moving closer to him, resting her hands on his chest. Glenn slowly caught his breath as he stared down into her eyes then slowly rested his hands over her’s. “yes...everything is fine” Kane replied, trying his best to at least be a tad convincing. Stephanie’s brows furrowed before she said “Glenn, please don’t lie to me.” He sighed heavily and nodded.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lie to you Steph, I just...I’m worried about you” Glenn stated as he cupped her cheek with his right hand. “Why would you have to worry about me?” Stephanie asked, completely baffled by Glenn’s words. Glenn could have slapped himself for saying that to her.

The last thing he wanted was to sound like the bad guy, or her father, and lecture her about going out with Kane. The more he would push to make her not see him, the most she would most likely rebel and be with him. “I don’t want Kane to hurt you” Glenn blurted out. Stephanie was taken back by his statement and bit her bottom lip nervously.

“But, why would he hurt me? He’s so sweet...and romantic...” she stated, her mind wandering into her own little dream land. Glenn bit the inside of his mouth, desperately trying not to insult his brother.

“Stephanie, I’m just saying be cautious. Kane used to have an anger problem. I haven’t seen him in years so it could have gotten better, but I just really don’t want you to take the chance, is all” Glenn replied as he rested his hands on her shoulders. Stephanie smiled softly up at him before wrapping her arms around his waist. “Don’t worry Glenn, I’ll be just fine. Kane seems to be fine, so maybe he’s learned to manage his anger” Stephanie stated happily before reaching up and kissing Glenn’s cheek lovingly. He held her tightly, hugging her closely after such an innocent kiss.

“Now go get your adorable butt dressed so we can get your working out” Glenn demanded softly. Stephanie giggled and nodded as she turned towards the locker room. Glenn growled softly as he watched Stephanie walk away, purposely swaying her hips. “Temptress” Glenn called to her before she disappeared behind the locker room door. He shook his head when he heard her laughing.

A few hours later Stephanie was leaning against the wall, sweat dripping down her body as she glared up at Glenn. “Are you...enjoying...this?” Stephanie panted. Glenn chuckled softly and replied “well you haven’t been working out for a few days so I had to push you harder than usual.” Stephanie gulp down the rest of her water bottle before tossing it at him. He laughed when he flew right over his left shoulder.

“Your not good with aim today apparently” Glenn stated, laughing harder when she threw herself, kicking and punching, at him. He lifted her up, throwing her over his shoulder, and carried her into the locker room. He walked over and carried her into the shower room.

“You need a shower” Glenn said, still laughing as he opened the shower curtain with his foot then set her down in the stall. He immediately turned the water on full blast then stepped back to watch it soak her. She moaned softly as she tilted her head into the spray, loving the way the water soothed her aching body.

Glenn immediately regretted what he did as he watched her clothes cling even more to her body and her hair begin to fall out of her pony tail. He felt his body tighten with arousal as she pulled her hair free and let it run down her body in long luscious wet waves.

“Stephanie...I’m sorry” Glenn started to say as he turned his back to her. She giggled and shook her head. “Glenn, you know you don’t have to turn around like that” she giggled before kicking off her shoes and tossing them out of the shower then slipping off her socks and throwing them alone with her shoes. Glenn licked his lips at the thought of her adorable little feet which were attached to long luscious legs and lead to the heaven of all heavens for his large problem in his work out shorts, even though the heaven of all heavens for Glenn was Stephanie’s heart.

“Your driving me insane” Glenn growled as he put his hands on his hips. Stephanie smiled innocently as she ran her fingers through her hair. Her eyes scanned over Glenn’s body, seeing how tense he was and she knew for a fact that he was incredibly aroused.

She could honestly say that at that very moment, she wanted Glenn as well. She knew Glenn was afraid of her being with Kane, or even going anywhere near him for that matter. She felt herself falling for Kane, but there was one thing that she wanted Glenn to have that no one else, in her eyes, deserved. Stephanie turned off the water then slipped off the rest of her clothes quickly and grabbed a towel.

“Glenn” she said softly as she stepped out and approached him. “What are you wearing?” Glenn asked before turning around. “I’m wearing a towel, it’s safe” she replied with a soft giggle. He finally turned to face her and licked his lips as his eyes examined her. “Like what you see?” Stephanie asked softly, her eyes looking deep into Glenn’s and loving how they deepened with desire.

“Always” Glenn replied as he slid his hands down her bare arms. Stephanie took a deep breath, preparing herself for her next words. She was afraid Glenn would either think she’s crazy and deny her or accept her and get the wrong idea of what she wanted.

“Glenn, I’m going to come over tonight. I have to talk to you about something” Stephanie said, looking innocently up into his eyes . Glenn quirked his eyebrow at her, confused as to what she wanted to talk to him about. “We can go back there now if you want, or get something to eat first” Glenn suggested. Stephanie agreed to eat first then go to Glenn’s but before grabbing her bag to get dressed, she paused. “Will Kane be home?” Stephanie asked. Kane shook his head.

“No, he took off this morning, I have no idea where he went, but he just said he wouldn’t be back until later” Glenn replied, watching her for a certain reaction. Stephanie nodded, relieved that they would be alone, uninterrupted. “Good” she replied before disappearing behind another one of the shower curtains to get dressed. Glenn walked out of the shower room back into the locker room and sat down on one of the benches, his mind running around wildly, trying to think of what Stephanie could have to say.

“She loves Kane, she hates me, and wants me to go to hell” Glenn muttered to himself bitterly. He knew Stephanie would never say such things to him, but he couldn’t help but notice the way Stephanie and Kane got along and he couldn’t ignore the look in Stephanie’s eyes when she looked at his brother. He hated admitting the fact that once again Kane was taking the world away from him. Stephanie was the only thing that meant anything to him in his life. He loved her unconditionally, with every fiber of his very large being, but just as always, Kane came in and was taking what he loved.

“I can’t let this happen” Glenn growled softly right before Stephanie emerged from the shower room dressed in tight blue jeans ripped on the thighs and a white tank top, her long hair pulled up in a pony tail. ‘I’ll never let the greatest thing in my life go’ Glenn thought as he stood and smiled down at her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, and he immediately held her close. “Let’s go sweetheart” Glenn said softly as he slid his arm around her waist, clung her back over his other shoulder, and lead her out of the locker room then out of the gym.

Glenn and Stephanie got a nice lunch at their usual diner then headed over to Glenn’s house. The entire time they were eating, Stephanie couldn’t calm her nerves and couldn’t figure out how to do this or even what to say to make Glenn understand what she was trying to say and do. She was continuously wringing her hands as they walked into the house. Glenn set down his keys and Stephanie’s gym bag before walking over to the couch and sitting her down beside him.

“Now what’s going on Steph? You’ve been acting nervous ever since we left the gym” Glenn pointed out. Stephanie immediately stopped her hands from moving and started biting her lip instead. “It’s hard to explain” she began, avoiding eye contact as much as possible. Glenn took her chin in his hand and raised her head, meeting her eyes.

“Tell me Stephanie” Glenn said softly. She looked deep into his eyes, seeing all the confusion and curiosity in them. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his, shocking Glenn to say the least. He pulled back a bit as his hands slid up her sides. “What is this Stephanie?” Glenn asked, his entire body tightening at the prospect of what that little kiss might have meant.

“I want to be with you Glenn” Stephanie whispers as she slowly crawled her way into Glenn’s lap, straddling him. He paused, wondering what she meant. Glenn’s manhood hardened as Stephanie started kissing his neck, now knowing exactly what she wanted. “Stephanie, you’re a virgin” Glenn stated, even as his hands ran up her back then down to grip her backside. Stephanie moaned softly, enjoying Glenn’s reaction beyond belief.

“I know...but it’s what I want to give you Glenn. I don’t want anyone else in the world to have me as I am” she said softly as she slid her hands up Glenn’s deliciously muscled chest. She loved the feel of Glenn, and loved the feel of him touching her. She knew this was right. Glenn cupped her face in his hands and looked deep into her eyes.

“Are you sure Stephanie? I don’t want to if your not ready” he said firmly. Stephanie smiled and let her tongue jet out to run over Glenn’s lips. He groaned and held her tightly as he stood then carried her up the stairs, into his bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and rested his body between her parted legs. Stephanie slid her hands under his shirt and whimpered softly as she caressed his chest, loving the feel of taut smooth skin over muscle.

Glenn slipped Stephanie’s tank top off her body before working the button then zipper on her jeans. He pulled them down and tossed them aside. Glenn licked his lips as he looked down at her body, such long smooth legs and beautiful curves. His hands slid up her legs as he leaned down began kissing and licking her sweet neck. “I love the taste of your skin” Glenn murmured before nibbling on her tender flesh. Stephanie’s head was tilted back as soft whimpers emitted from her throat in complete ecstacy.

“Mmmmm Glenn” she moaned as she tried to pull off his shirt. Glenn chuckled softly as he helped her slide off his shirt then captured her lips with his. They held each other close as their tongues dueled and danced, creating such delicious friction and excitement.

They were content at that moment with kissing and touching, building towards the union of their bodies. Glenn finished stripping Stephanie of her clothing and he finally knew that he had reached heaven. His eyes rested on her perfectly rounded breasts and glamorous womanhood.

“Your so beautiful” Glenn whispered, looking deep into her eyes before sliding his hands up her stomach and cupping her breasts. He stroked his thumbs over her nipples until they hardened for him.

“Glenn please” Stephanie whimpered as she gripped his large biceps. He had to pause his movements as he stared down at her, his entire body quivering from the intensity of his emotions and need for Stephanie. Glenn kissed her lips softly before standing up from the bed and Stephanie’s arms. He slowly stripped himself of his clothing, but still stood there a moment longer to study Stephanie’s beautiful form.

Her face was flushed, her hair was spread out over the blankets, her lush curvaceous body welcoming him without question. He slid her higher on the bed to lay her head upon the pillows before laying back down into her arms. Stephanie looked up into his eyes, loving the feel of his warm skin against her, his loving arms around her, and his beautiful eyes shining down at her.

“Are you sure Stephanie? Once you give yourself to me, you’ll never have such innocence again” Glenn said softly, his forehead pressed to her’s. “I want this more than anything, Glenn” Stephanie replied as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Glenn smiled and kissed her lips, parting them to taste her sweetness, as he caressed her thighs and positioned himself between her thighs.

Stephanie whimpered into his mouth as he slowly began to join their bodies. She squeezed her eyes closed, preparing herself for the fatal thrust which would seal her innocence, giving it completely to Glenn forever. She felt a sharp pain shoot through her abdomen and immediately gripped Glenn’s shoulders deathly tight.

“Shhh, it’s okay sweetheart...the pain will pass” Glenn whispered as he placed soft kisses along her jaw then down her neck. Stephanie’s body slowly began to relax and the pain was replaced with a delightful tingling sensation. She leaned up and kissed his lips softly, tempting his mouth with her tongue.

Glenn moaned and took that as the go-ahead. Glenn wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her against him as he slowly starting moving inside her. Stephanie whimpered loudly and tossed her head back, her long red hair cascading over the pillows. Glenn could never remember a time when he saw a more beautiful sight.

“Beautiful” Glenn groaned as he moved a bit faster. “Oh god...Glenn...please” Stephanie whimpered as she arched her back and threw her arms above her head. Glenn growled and gripped her hips tightly. He grunted and groaned as he started thrusting into her hard and fast. Stephanie whimpered as she looked deep into his eyes, savoring the look of pleasure pouring from his eyes.

“You feel...so good...inside me” Stephanie whimpered as she panted, her breathing becoming heavier. Glenn groaned and thrust into her even harder after hearing her words. “God Steph...don’t say things like that...or this will end faster than it should” Glenn growled as he tightened his grip on her hips. Stephanie bit her bottom lip and continued whimpering as Glenn made love to her.

She felt such intense pleasure building up inside her that she thought she would be driven mad from it. Glenn slid his right hand into Stephanie’s hair, reveling in the softness of it as well as her body. His mind was screaming words of love, his heart was exploding with such passion for her, but he feared her words of rejection that he dreaded would come. He wanted to love her and savor their coupling for as long as he could. Glenn’s hands roamed aimlessly all over her body, memorizing every inch of her.

“More Glenn...please...harder baby” Stephanie whimpered, begging him. Glenn licked, kissed, and nibbled down her neck then chest before capturing one of her nipples between his lips. Stephanie screamed out in agonizing pleasure as the tension built inside her. Her mind was completely clouded over with passion and desire for Glenn as he took her into the highest level of heaven.

Glenn growled loudly before biting down on the tender flesh of her neck. Stephanie tossed her head back once again and screamed out Glenn’s name as her entire body exploded with the most astounding pleasure, an amount of pleasure she never knew existed. Glenn growled and rode out her orgasm as he watched her face expressions and listened to her delicious noises.

Stephanie whimpered and screamed out Glenn’s name over and over which triggered Glenn. He roared out Stephanie’s name and spilled his seed deep inside her before collapsing in her arms. They both panted heavily, languishing from their love making. Slowly, their hearts began to calm and their breathing returned to normal. Stephanie smiled up at Glenn as he held her to his side.

“You’s absolutely amazing” Stephanie whispered as Glenn stroked her back. Glenn carefully pulled out of her then turned onto his side and placed a soft sweet kiss to her lips. “I never want to let something as sweet as you leave my arms” Glenn whispered.

The feel of Glenn’s love making was still vibrating through her body. She loved what he had done to her, what he had given her, and she never wanted to let it go or forget it. ‘If it meant so much to me, then why do I feel so terrible’ Stephanie thought to herself. She bit her bottom lip and averted eye contact with him at all cost.

“Glenn...I have to tell you something” She said softly. Glenn suddenly had a bad feeling about what Stephanie had to say. He told himself not to jump to conclusions, but he couldn’t help but let his mind wander.

“Tell me, sweetheart” Glenn prompted. “I...I’m falling in love with Kane. I wanted to be honest with you so no one...” Stephanie began. “I knew it!” Glenn growled as he shoved the covers off him and stood from the bed. He quickly dressed as Stephanie sat there in bewilderment.

“Glenn...please, you have to hear me out” Stephanie begged. “Why? What was this to you Stephanie? Pity sex? You just gave to me the one thing that meant the world to you, and now your going with my brother! Wanna explain that?” he shouted. Stephanie clutched the sheets to her body, trying to get the words to form on her lips.

“Glenn, you mean the world to me. I wanted to give you my virginity because I know you wouldn’t take it for granted. I...I want to be with Kane, but I wanted to you to have something as important as my innocence” Stephanie tried to explain. She realized that she probably sounded crazy. It made sense to her in her mind but now that she was saying it out loud, it just might sound like she was too open with her favors.

“Glenn please” she pleaded softly. His back was turned to her, hands clenched on his hips as he stood there, a large foreboding figure. “I love you Stephanie, I always have, and I always will...I will treasure what we shared here...but I can’t stand the thought of Kane touching you that way” he replied, holding back his temper.

“Glenn...please don’t be angry” Stephanie asked of him, her voice soft and nervous. He turned to her and shook his head. “This meant nothing to you. I thought that I finally stole your heart, but of course not, we wouldn’t want Glenn to be happy with the woman he loves. When you told me you wanted to be with me...I knew it was too good to be true” Glenn stated, his voice taking on a sadistic tone.

“Glenn, that is NOT true” Stephanie shouted as she grabbed her clothes and quickly pulled everything on. “If this meant a damn thing to you then you wouldn’t want to be with my brother, and you do, you don’t give a damn about me, or what happened here” Glenn snapped. Stephanie walked up to him and clenched her fists so she would not lash out at him.

“This meant more to me than you’ll ever realize Glenn, and if you can’t see that then, fine, be a stubborn ass” she shouted before running out of the room, down the stairs, and out the front door. Glenn hurried after her but saw her already running down the road back towards her house when he reached the front door.

Glenn growled and ran his hands over his head. He cursed and watched Stephanie until she was out of sight. He slammed the door shut behind him and hurried to his truck. “This is all going to hell” he muttered as he started the truck then peeled out of his driveway.

Stephanie hurried down the road, tears streaming down her face. She knew that she only had herself to blame, but it didn’t make Glenn’s words hurt any less. She had the feeling that Glenn would react as he did, but she prayed he could understand.

“You’re just a slut, get over it” Stephanie whispered as she wrapped her arms around herself and picked up her pace. She turned at the sound of a car approaching and broke out into a run when she realized it was Glenn. She wasn’t sure why she was running, whether it was from arguments or her feelings, she wasn’t sure. Glenn pulled his truck over and jumped out as fast as he could before chasing Stephanie down.

“Steph, wait!” he called out, coming up on her fast. Stephanie started slowing down before dropping to the road on her knees. “I’m sorry Glenn, I’m so sorry” she cried, repeating herself over and over. Glenn pulled her into his arms as they both caught their breath. He stroked her back and held her tightly against his chest, cooing comforting words in her ear.

“Don’t fret, love” Glenn whispered, “it’s okay.” Stephanie slowly calmed before looking up into his eyes. “I never wanted to hurt you or make you feel used. I just wanted to love you the way my heart told me to” she whispered, tears still streaming down her face. Glenn’s heart was breaking at the sight of such pained tears. “Don’t cry Steph, you know I hate seeing you cry” Glenn pleaded as he kissed her forehead softly. She sniffled and wiped her tears away, her bottom lip still quivering slightly.

“Stephanie, I love you, and what we shared today is the greatest gift I could ever receive, you gave me your innocence, and I will treasure that forever” he stated as he stroked her cheek with his thumb, “but Steph, I can’t understand why you gave me this when you really want to be with Kane.” Stephanie saw the pain and confusion in Glenn’s eyes which was enough to create fresh tears in her eyes.

“Glenn, I never wanted anyone to have my virginity except you, but there’s just something there with Kane...I don’t’ want to hurt you Glenn’ Stephanie tried to explain, “and I’m sorry for calling you a stubborn ass.” Glenn smiled softly as he stood with her in his arms. “Don’t worry about it sweetheart, we were both angry and said things we shouldn’t have” he said as he settled her in the passengers seat. Glenn walked around and got in then turned and started driving back towards Glenn’s house.

“Are you angry with me?” Stephanie asked softly, afraid that the answer would be yes. “No Steph, I’m just confused and...” Glenn trailed off. “Hurt?” Stephanie offered then held her tears back as best as she should when he nodded. “I’m sorry...I never meant to hurt you...I swear” she whispered. Glenn reached over and took her hand in his. “Don’t worry about me honey, I can take care of myself” Glenn said. They kept in silence until they arrived back at Glenn’s home.

“I’ll go grab my things then I’ll head home, I have to get a lot of writing done” Stephanie said before hopping out of the truck. Glenn waited patiently for her to return but immediately got out of the truck and took her gym bag for her. “Thank you sweetheart” Stephanie said as Glenn helped her back into the passengers seat. She couldn’t stand the silence between them as he drove her home. She feared that what they had done today would change their friendship in a way she didn’t mean, creating the complete opposite effect then she intended.

“Call me later honey, or actually I’ll call you later when I go in the tub” Stephanie said as she leaned over and tucked her head under Glenn’s chin. Glenn’s arms wrapped around her and held her close.

“Let me know how Faithfully is coming” he said before kissing her head softly then releasing her. Stephanie smiled into his eyes, taking int the sight of his beautiful face before grabbing her belongings and climbing out of the truck. Glenn waited until he saw her safely inside before backing down the drive way and flooring it home.



Stephanie tossed her gym bag down beside the door, her mind completely exhausted. “I need therapy” she muttered to herself before laughing bitterly. “Now why would you say that?” a familiar voice asked. Stephanie gasped and turned towards the living room at the sound of Kane’s voice.

“You scared me” Stephanie stated softly as she made her way towards him. Kane smiled down at her and replied “I’m sorry Steph, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Stephanie waved off his apology. “Don’t worry, I’m the one that left my door unlocked, so I was just asking for a heart attack” she stated, giggling softly to let him know she was just kidding. Kane smiled still before leaning down and placing a soft sweet kiss on her lips. Stephanie felt her heart flutter at such a soft kiss, a careful touch of his lips.

“These are for you, one Rose to another” Kane said softly as he took a bouquet of roses out from behind his back. Stephanie felt tears in her eyes at his words and his gesture. “Oh Kane... they’re absolutely beautiful” she stated as she took them in her arms then looked back up into his eyes, “just like you.”

Kane took the flowers from her and set them down on the coffee table then gently pulled her into his arms. Stephanie...there’s something I want you to have” Kane said softly, his eyes looking deep into her’s. He reached up and removed the silver chain from around his neck. It was the same chain he wore on both of their dates, and wore every single day of his life.

“This” he said as he secured it around her neck, “I want you to have this, to keep it always, under one condition.” Stephanie clutched the necklace with her right hand and studied it before looking back up into Glenn’s beautiful ebony eyes. “And what would that condition be? Stephanie asked, her emotions swirling around her, fogging her senses.

“Be mine Stephanie...give me your heart” Kane requested, his eyes swimming with such hope. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as tears welled in her eyes. “You want me?” Stephanie asked, her voice almost as soft as a whisper. Kane’s lips curved into a smile. “Yes...you and only you” he replied. Stephanie laughed softly and nodded her head.

“Yes, yes I will be yours...and you, mine” she stated softly. Kane nodded in agreement, “yes, and I am yours.” Kane scooped her up in his arms and spun her around as they both laughed. He set her on her feet before capturing her lips in a passionate, heated kiss.

Stephanie arms wrapped around his neck and held him tightly to her as he completely possessed her mouth. Kane slowly broke the kiss and stared into her eyes. Stephanie’s deepening to a forest green.

“Tell me your mine” Kane demanded, his voice gruff from desire. Stephanie licked her lips and caught her breath that Kane had taken away. Stephanie’s eyes sparkled at his words and was ready to reply. “I’m yours.”

　

Chapter 16

Weeks started passing quickly with nights of dates and sweet phone calls. “Jas...he’s...absolutely incredible” Stephanie sighed dreamily as she twirled around Jaslyn’s back yard. They were under a large weeping willow, resting in the shade as Stephanie and Jaslyn caught up on their lives.

“He sounds like it...God that’s a gorgeous chain...but Steph...how does Glenn feel about all of this?” Jaslyn asked as she reclined against the tree trunk. Stephanie’s face fell from happiness to guilt. She sat down on the ground with a thud then raised her eyes to Jaslyn. “I’m sure he wants to kill Kane by now” Stephanie replied. “Can you blame him?” Jaslyn asked honestly.

Stephanie shook her head, “no...I don’t blame, and can’t blame him. I know he loves me...but...aren’t I entitled to loving someone?” “Of course” her best friend replied, “that’s why this could be good for you and Kane, you never know what could come of it.” Stephanie smiled and let her mind wander. The past few dates her and Kane had were wonderful , full of loving words, dancing, only light drinking, and amazing sunsets before the fun of the night would begin.

“He makes me feel so...alive!” Stephanie stated, her body tingling with her happiness. Jaslyn smiled and listened to her best friend but she knew that this entire situation was going somewhere bad. She knew Glenn would do anything to get Stephanie away form Kane, and she had a feeling Kane would do anything in his possessive power to keep her. They talked for a while longer before heading inside for lunch.


Glenn stared at the kitchen table idly, his mind wandering to his red headed vixen. He wanted her in his arms so terribly, but he knew that her heart didn’t belong to him. He was elated that he now possessed her innocence, it belonged to him, but his heart fell at the thought of the rest of her.

He was afraid that she would fall victim to Kane. He loved her and always would, he just wished he could cure her of her naive mind. Stephanie had no idea what Kane would do, what Kane COULD do, and the last thing Glenn wanted, was for Stephanie to be hurt.

“What’s the matter bro?” Kane asked as he entered the kitchen then sat across from Glenn. Glenn looked up, glaring heatedly at Kane. “How can you do this to her?” Glenn asked, his voice low, dangerous. “Do what? Want to be with her? Take her on dates? Try and give her everything I can?” Kane asked as he leaned back in his chair.

“You don’t give a DAMN about her...you only care about pissing me off” Glenn growled, his hands fisted on the table. Kane’s eyes narrowed to slits, glaring a hole through Glenn. “Glenn...Stephanie is mine...and whether you like it or not...we’re going to be together. So why don’t YOU stop being selfish for once and leave her alone” Kane stated, his face stern.

“You sonuvabitch” Glenn growled, his hands flexing then tightening, itching to beat the living hell out of his brother. Kane chuckled as he stood up. “Well I have to get going, I’m gonna surprise Stephanie with a nice picnic lunch” Kane stated smugly before heading out of the kitchen then out the front door. Glenn slammed his fists down onto the table, his anger welling up in his body.

“I can’t let her go through this” Glenn whispered, his mind trying desperately to figure out a way to get Stephanie away from Kane.

Jaslyn and Stephaine were startled by the knock at Jaslyn’s door. They were both curious as to who it was but only Jaslyn went to answer. She tossed hair over her should before pulling open the door and coming face to chest with Kane. “Hey Glenn, what’s up?” Jaslyn asked, completely fooled by Kane’s and Glenn’s alikeness. Kane chuckled and shook his head.

“No no no, I’m not Glenn...I’m his brother Kane” Kane stated, watching as Jaslyn’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh...I’m sorry, well hello Kane, may I help you?” Jaslyn asked as she held the door close to her body. Kane smiled down at her and nodded. “Yes...your Jaslyn correct?” he asked. Jaslyn nodded.

“I’m looking for Stephanie” he continued. Jaslyn was completely stunned at how alike Kane and his brother looked, it was incredible. “She’s in the living room, you can come in” Jaslyn said as she stepped aside. Kane thanked her and entered then followed her to the living room.

“Kane?” Stephanie exclaimed when she saw him, “what are you doing here?”. Stephanie hurried up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He hugged her close then placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I was hoping you would join me on a picnic” said as he encircled her waist with his large hands. Stephanie’s smile fell from her face at his words.

“Oh...Kane, I wish I could sweetheart, but today is the only day of the week Jaslyn and I get to spend together remember? I could never give this day up” Stephanie stated sadly. Kane’s smile fell as well at her words but he nodded. “I’m sorry honey, I completely forgot” Kane apologized. Stephanie smiled and kissed his pouting lips. “No worries, I promise tomorrow is our day” she stated sweetly. He smiled into her eyes before kissing her forehead.

“Deal, I’ll call you tonight sweetheart” Kane said before kissing her once more. He said his goodbyes to Jaslyn, then left. “Your falling in love with him” Jaslyn said, not asking her but stating it as a fact. Stephanie turned to her best friend and bit her bottom lip before nodding.

“If love is supposed to be so wonderful...then why do I feel so guilty” Stephanie stated, her voice soft as her hands fidgeted. “Steph...Glenn loves you and he always will...just make sure you don’t ignore him okay? He IS one of the most important people in your life” Jaslyn warned. Stephanie nodded and went to sit down on the couch.

“How could I do this...” Stephanie whispered as she pulled her knees up to her chest, “what if Glenn doesn’t want to talk to me ever again?” Jaslyn shook her head and sat down beside her.

“There is nothing you could do that would make Glenn never talk to you again honey” Jaslyn suggested. “True...” Stephanie agreed. “Honey, do you feel anything for Glenn besides friendship? Do your feelings run deeper than that?” Jaslyn asked, trying to help her best friend out as best as she could. Stephanie opened her mouth to answer but quickly shut it when she realized she didn’t have an answer at all.

“I...I don’t know...Glenn means the world to me, that’s why I gave him my innocence...I was afraid no one else would appreciate it and treasure it like he will” Stephanie explained. “Are you sure that’s the only reason you made love with him?” Jaslyn asked. Stephanie looked up at her and tried multiple times to speak, but no words came forth.

“I don’t know...I’m so confused...so frickin’ confused” Stephanie whimpered as she ran her hands through her hair. “You need to talk to Glenn though, you two need to figure this whole thing out...I think it’s getting a little too crazy” she said as she pulled Stephanie against her, Stephanie’s head on Jaslyn’s shoulder.

“I will...but today is our day, enough talk about my problems” Stephanie insisted. “Are you sure angelface? We can talk all you want” Jaslyn said as she stroked her best friends hair. Jaslyn was a bit wary about Stephanie’s situation. She didn’t want anything to happen to Glenn or Stephanie, but after what transpired between them, she had a feeling one of them was bound to get their heart broken. She didn’t exactly condone what Stephanie did, but she just wanted her best friend to be happy.

‘Time...time should work this all out...time will just calm everything, and everything will be back to the way it used to be’ Jaslyn thought to herself, ‘I hope.’ “I’m positive...let’s go do something to keep ourselves occupied” Stephanie stated, smiling up at Jaslyn. She giggled and nodded in agreement.

Later on that night, Stephanie dropped her purse and keys down on the floor beside her bed then fell down onto it with complete emotional exhaustion. “What the hell am I supposed to do” she muttered as she rubbed her face hard with her hands. She sat up momentarily to press play on her answering machine then laid back down to listen.

“Hey Steph, it’s me” she heard Glenn’s voice over the machine, “I wanted to make sure you were alright, home safe and sound, so just give me a call when you get this, I don’t care what time it is. I need to talk to you about something extremely important, love you darlin’, bye.”

Stephanie sighed heavily at Glenn’s words and waited for the next message to come on. “Hello beautiful” Kane’s voice said over the answering machine, “I know I just saw you earlier at Jaslyn’s, but I can’t get your beautiful face off my mind. Call me when you get home sweetheart so I know you got home safely. Goodbye for now my princess.”

Stephanie ran her hands over her face then racked her fingers through her hair. “Slut” she muttered to herself before pushing herself off the bed to her feet. She kicked off her shoes then made her way down to the living room to grab her pad of paper and pen. For the next few hours, all Stephanie did was write. She took out all her frustrations, confusions, and whirlwind of emotions out in her story.

“I’ll just kill her off” Stephanie muttered to herself as she wrote. She knew she didn’t mean it, but everything going on with her, Glenn, and Kane was so confusing that she couldn’t help but release a bit of her tension through her words.

After another ten minutes, Stephanie could not longer concentrate on her writing. “I have to talk to both of them” she said to herself as she set aside her writing materials then slid off the bed. Stephanie grabbed her jean jacket and her keys then hurried down the stairs then out the door. She slid her jacket on before jumping into her truck and speeding down her driveway.


Kane was laying down on the couch in Glenn’s living room, a smirk plastered on his face as he thought about Stephanie. He knew Glenn was in the kitchen making dinner for himself and Kane was extremely tempted to go push his buttons. He stood and walked into the kitchen then leaned in the archway and stared.

“So Mrs. Jacobs, what’s for dinner?” Kane asked sarcastically. Glenn glared over at Kane then turned back towards the stove. “I’m making MY dinner...you can make your own damn food” Glenn snapped before pouring his food onto his plate. Kane chuckled as he entered the kitchen and started shadowing Glenn. He followed him through the kitchen until he went into the dining room to eat.

“I’ll make something later, I am kind of hungry...after all, I’ve been thinking about Stephanie all day, so my mouth is a bit watery for something sweet” Kane stated as he sat down across from Glenn. If looks could kill, then Kane would be spattered all over the highway from the look Glenn was giving him. “Either you let me eat in peace, or I’ll REMOVE you from this room” Glenn threatened, his fork clenched in his hand. Kane’s smile disappeared at his brothers words.

“Oh really?” Kane retorted as he stood, as did Glenn. They stood face to face, nose to nose, glaring at each other. “Leave Stephanie alone...break up with her, and leave” Glenn demanded. Kane smirked and shook his head. “I can’t do that brother. Stephanie would be heart broken, plus I care about her, I’m not gonna let you run my life like you’ve always tried to. I care about her no matter what your stupid ass thinks, so get over it. She doesn’t want you! Why would she? Your pathetic Glenn, your not man enough for a woman like her” Kane stated firmly, his voice deepening. Glenn glared hatefully at his brother.

“As unposed to a man who will hit her? Maybe even beat the hell out of her? Swear at her? Call her names? Degrade her?” Glenn challenged back. Kane grabbed Glenn by the front of his shirt and pulled him closer but didn’t get far since Glenn grabbed Kane by the front of his shirt as well. “Get your hands off me!” Kane growled. “Then you let go of me and I will” Glenn retorted. Both brothers shoved each other away then glared at one another.

“I swear to God if you lay a hand on her...” Glenn began to say. “I already have when I fucked her with my fingers on her couch!” Kane shouted back, his anger over taking his common sense of his words. Glenn’s eyes widened at his brothers words before growling and charging him.

Stephanie turned off her truck then hurried up the sidewalk then through the front door of Glenn’s house.

“OH MY GOD STOP!” Stephanie shouted when she saw Glenn and Kane pounding away on each other, shoving each other up against the walls. She hurried over to Glenn and grabbed his large, bulging bicep and pulled him away from Kane who had pinned against the wall.

“Stop it! What is wrong with you two?” Stephanie demanded as she finally stood between them. Glenn grabbed Stephanie’s wrist and pulled her away from Kane. “Nothing, we were just talking” Kane stated. “Oh yeah, last time I talked to Jaslyn I didn’t punch her in the face and she didn’t throw me up against a wall” Stephanie retorted. Kane sighed heavily and placed a hand on Stephanie’s shoulder.

“We were arguing, but everything’s fine now...don’t worry about it sweetheart” Kane stated, smiling down into her eyes. Stephanie’s breath was taken away by his smile but she wouldn’t be deterred that easily.

“I want to know what’s going on” Stephanie demanded. Glenn subtly pulled her away from Kane’s touch and into his arms. “We were arguing...all brothers do, don’t worry honey, everything’s fine” Glenn explained. Stephanie hugged Glenn tightly, praying that it was just a brotherly spat and nothing more, but she couldn’t help but worry that it was a lot more than that. She slid free from Glenn’s embrace then wrapped her arms around Kane and hugged him tightly.

“If you both insist” Stephanie stated. “Yes we do” Kane replied before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. She took a few deep breaths before stepping out of Kane’s embrace and looked at the two brothers.

“I wanted to talk to you both...now listen, you both mean a lot to me, I don’t want anyone to be mad at me and I don’t want you two to hate each other...I just...I just want everything to be...happy” Stephanie explained as she wrung her hands nervously.

‘How can I be happy when your with someone who can hurt you’ Glenn thought to himself.

‘How can we be happy with Glenn trying to take you away from me any chance he can get and bad mouthing me’ Kane thought. Glenn and Kane both glanced at each other before looking back at Stephanie and nodding.

“Don’t worry about us Steph, no on is mad and me and Glenn don’t hate each other” Kane said with as much false sincerity as he could muster up. ‘And the lies begin’ Glenn thought to himself as he bit back the urge to roll his eyes. Stephanie was extremely unsure about how both Glenn and Kane felt, but she felt she had to believe what they said. “If you both insist that everything is okay...then I’ll believe you” she stated.

Once she hugged and kissed them both she headed out of the house and closed the door behind her. The second the closed the door, she heard Glenn and Kane begin shouting at each other. “So much for that” she muttered softly to herself as tears welled in her eyes. Everything was becoming to confusing, even more now that she knew that the two most important men in her life hated each other.

“Time for a nice long sulk” Stephanie whispered as she climbed into her truck. She needed time to think, to lay down and cry and think, plus get in a good call to Jaslyn. Jaslyn always knew how to help her and she helped Jaslyn as much as possible when she needed it.

“Bubble bath, here I come.”

Chapter 17

Stephanie sighed heavily as she stared at the bathroom ceiling. She knew she was falling in love with Kane, but she desperately wanted Glenn to be happy and not miserable. She knew for a fact that at that very moment, Glenn and Kane were probably at each other’s throats.

“Joy...more hatred I’ve caused” she muttered to herself as the steam surrounded her. She lifted her hand, cupping the Lilac scented bubbles in her hand before blowing them out to land on the wall. She smile and giggled softly. A nice bubble bath always could do the trick. Stephanie leaned over the side of the tub when her cell phone started ringing.

“Hello?” she said once she answered it. “Hey angelface...how’s the bath going?” Jaslyn asked as she reclined in her own bathtub full of Jasmine scented bubbles. “Wonderful, yours?” Stephanie asked, smiling. Jaslyn looked over at David who was slowly stripping off his clothing, driving Jaslyn absolutely insane.

“So far so delicious...I mean good” Jaslyn stated, making both her and Stephanie giggle. “Tell David I said to stop making you horny, I’m trying to talk to you” Stephanie demanded before laughing. “Stephanie says to stop making me horny, she’s trying to talk to me” Jaslyn said, relaying the message. David chuckled evilly as he finished stripping off his clothes. He shooed his wife to move forward before slipping in behind her, moaning as the hot water surrounded him.

“Tell her I said I’m taking advantage of my naked wife in a bathtub full of bubbles” David murmured as he brushed his lips against Jaslyn’s bare shoulder. She moaned softly, her husband completely draining her mind of any common sense.

“HEY! She’s mine!” Stephanie shouted playfully into the phone. David took the phone from his wife’s beautiful slender hand and said “Steph, Jas is a little distracted at the moment, I promise she call you back before we go to sleep.” Stephanie smiled and giggled softly.

“Okay honey, you two enjoy yourselves” Stephanie said before saying good bye and placing her phone beside the tub on the floor. She sighed rested her head against the edge of the tub. “What do I do?” she whispered as she closed her eyes.


Kane paced liked a caged animal in his bedroom. He wanted to throw up, punch a wall, punch a certain brother of his, then grab a certain redhead and fuck her senseless. “That bastard” he grumbled as he ran his hands over his head.

Glenn had been trying desperately to write a note to Stephanie, explaining his feelings about when they made love, and how he feels now, but nothing seemed to sound right. He threw three different copies of the note in his garbage and when Kane had gone in to talk to Glenn, he couldn’t help but notice the crumpled pieces of paper.

“That bastard had sex with her...took her damn virginity” Kane growled as he continued to pace. He was sick with the knowledge that Glenn had taken Stephanie right out from under him. It didn’t comfort him in the least that he was Stephanie’s boyfriend, it only meant that he had her in a relationship.

“She’ll fuck him when she doesn’t even love him?” Kane growled. His mind started racing, trying to figure out what to do, to ensure that Stephanie was his. “No one deserves her but me.”


Stephanie sat at her vanity brushing her damp hair out in the mirror. It made her heart sink when she realized that her bath did nothing to lighten her spirit, she was still completely confused. Stephanie sighed and felt so guilty when she remembered that she hadn’t told Glenn about her and Kane’s relationship yet.

“Low...lower than low” Stephanie muttered to herself as she stood from her seat then flopped down onto her bed. She hated lying to Glenn, or even not telling him everything. She ALWAYS told Glenn everything. Besides Jaslyn, Glenn was the only person that she could talk to and pour her heart out to.

She ran her hands over her face, trying to scrub away her thoughts, wishing it could be that easy. Stephanie perked up immediately at the sound of her door bell ringing. “Who the hell...” she whispered as she grabbed her red robe and tied it on before hurrying out of the room then down the stairs to the front door.

She looked through the peep hole and smiled when she saw a very familiar chest. Her hand instantly went to the chain around her neck and idly fiddled with it as she unlocked then opened the door. “Well hello stranger” Stephanie greeted with a heart-stopping smile. Kane returned her smile then leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on her lips.

“Hello to you too beautiful” he replied as he stepped into the house when Stephanie stepped to the side. “What on earth are you doing here so late?” Stephanie asked as she closed and locked the door behind her. “I missed you, princess” Kane replied as he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Stephanie giggled softly as she smiled up at him.

“I missed you too sweetheart” Stephanie whispered as her hands slid up his broad, muscular chest. Kane groaned at the feel of her tiny fingers toying with his shirt, caressing his body.

“I love when you touch me like that” Kane murmured in her ear before kissing it, then leaving a path of fire down her neck with his lips. “Mmm, this is a very nice surprise” she whispered as she leaned back, Kane supporting her weight as if she weighed nothing. She squealed when Kane unexpectedly scooped her up into his arms.

“To your royal bedchamber we go” Kane said as he hurried up the stairs. Stephanie tossed her head back and laughed at his words, giggling like a little school girl. She loved this. She loved being treated so specially and playfully by a man she adored. “How much for the ride?” Stephanie asked as they entered her bedroom. Kane thought for a moment before tossing her down onto her bed, making her bounce up and down.

“How about a nice...long...kiss” Kane suggested as he slowly crawled to hover over her body. Stephanie bit her bottom lip, smiling. “That...I can do” she said softly before Kane’s lips came crashing down on her’s.

She parted them for his delicious tongue and immediately her’s tangled with his, tasting every crevice of his mouth. She moaned as she felt Kane’s hands slide up her sides then into her damp hair. He tilted her head back and deepened the kiss, completely possessing her mouth. Stephanie’s mind was completely clouding with ecstacy as her arms wrapped around his neck.

When Kane finally managed to pull away from her, their breathing was labored as they looked deep into each other’s eyes, Kane’s completely black, and Stephanie’s a deep forest green, full of desire for one another. Kane kept the eye contact as he slid his hand to the tie of her robe, his eyes asking permission before continuing. After all, they only knew each other for almost a month, and have dating for about a week out of that month.

She silently thanked God that Kane didn’t know she gave her virginity to Glenn and that Glenn didn’t know she was with Kane. What a confusing months it’s been. Stephanie smiled softly, her heart melting at Kane’s respectful and sweet gesture then finally nodded. She bit her bottom lip as Kane untied her robe then slid if from her body.

His eyes scanned over her thoroughly, his body immediately responding to her in her black lace tank top and lace panties. He nestled himself between her parted thighs as he leaned down and began tormenting her neck with his tongue and teeth.

“God I could eat you up” Kane murmured in her ear before biting down a bit hard on her neck. Stephanie arched into his touch, her body tingling at the feeling of him biting her.

“Mmmm that feels so good” Stephanie whispered as she slid her hands down his back, loving the way his muscles rippled under her touch. He started sucking on her tender flesh which emitted some throaty moans and whimpers from Stephanie.

“Kane...I...I should have warned you” Stephanie whimpered as she gripped Glenn’s shirt in her fisted hands. He chuckled mischievously as his hands slid up her silky smooth thighs. “Warned me about what baby?” he moaned softly in her ear, making her do a full body shiver, “warned me about how delicious you are?”.

Stephanie whimpered at his words then whimpered louder when he started sucking harder on neck then bit down. She growled and ground her hips, rubbing herself against his arousal. Kane growled softly right back and gripped her hips, stilling her. “My throat is...my spot” Stephanie confessed.

“Yeah well if you keep moving like that against me, this’ll be done before it even starts” Kane threatened playfully. Stephanie couldn’t help but giggle at his words. She couldn’t believe the amazing pleasure Kane could give her with such simple touches. She gripped Kane’s shirt, begging him to take it off so she could feel his body the way he was feeling her’s.

He chuckled softly at her eagerness then obliged to her demands and slid his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor. Stephanie’s tiny hands immediately slid up his smooth, hairless chest then over his shoulder and down his back. Kane groaned at the feel of her hands touching him all over, casing him to harden even more.

He slid down her body an kneeled on the floor so he could tickle her belly button with his tongue and place kisses and nibbles haphazardly all over her stomach. Stephanie reached down and ran her hands over his smooth shaved head. Kane licked his lips as he hooked his finger in her lace panties and slowly slid them down her smooth legs, kissing her thighs, calves, and even her toes. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she looked down at Kane, embarrassed that she was now exposed to his view. Kane chuckled and moved up her body to kiss her lips softly.

“Don’t be afraid...I promise you’ll feel nothing but pleasure” Kane whispered in her ear before moving down to give her a little nip on the neck. Stephanie whimpered and nodded at his words then laid her head back and closed her eyes. Kane smirked and parted her legs slowly before leaning down and places kisses on the insides of her thighs. Stephanie’s response was immediate as she arched into his touch, silently begging him for more.

He took that as a full invitation and kissed higher and higher on her thighs before giving her the most intimate kiss of all. Stephanie whimpered loudly and bucked her hips off the bed as Kane’s lips and tongue began to tease and torment. He stroked her slowly with his tongue, reveling in her taste.

As Kane’s tongue increased in pace, he had to hold Stephanie’s hips down, keeping her still as he pleasured her. White, hot pleasure coursed through her veins at this incredible pleasure she never knew existed.

“Oh god...Kane please” Stephanie begged as she gripped the bed sheets tightly in her fists. “Feel good sweetheart?” Kane murmured before resuming his exploration of her body.

“Yes...Kane” Stephanie whimpered before lifting her head and looking down into his eyes. Stephanie’s body was already on edge from what Kane was doing to her, but the sight of him actually doing it was her undoing.

Stephanie tossed her head back in complete ecstacy and cried out Kane’s name as her release swept over her. Kane licked his lips as he stood from the floor, once her climax faded, and studied her body as he started stripping the rest of his clothing off. Kane tossed aside his boots, socks, jeans, and boxers before covering Stephanie’s body with his.

“I want you, you delicious little witch” he growled in Stephanie’s ear before nipping her neck. “a witch, am I?” Stephanie purred after whimpering Kane’s teeth on her neck. “yes, a witch, because every time I see you I want to lick you from head to toe” Kane replied as he crawled above her. Stephanie arched her back, letting out a whimper of pleasure when Kane took her right nipple into his mouth.

She slid her hands over his shoulders and over his smooth head as her entire body reignited with blinding pleasure. Kane’s tongue expertly worked his magic, making Stephanie’s nipple harden more while his hand rolled her left nipple between his fingers. “mmm, that feels so good” Stephanie whispered before arching her back when Kane switched and gave her other nipple the same tantalizing treatment.

“please” she begged, “please, I need you inside me”. Kane smirked and released her, crawling up to be face to face with her. He slid between her parted thighs and kissed her lips lovingly, gripping her hips gently.

“how do you want it baby? Nice and slow, or hard and fast?” Kane whispered in her ear before gently sucking on her neck. “hard…fast…and now” Stephanie moaned, desperately trying to hold onto her sanity. “yes ma’am” Kane chuckled softly before gripping himself in his hand and guiding his throbbing erection inside Stephanie’s tight passage ways. Stephanie felt her mind reeling at the feel of him slowly sliding inside her.

“God…Kane” she whimpered as she clutched the bed sheets. Once he was completely inside her, he slowly slid out before thrusting back deep inside her. Stephanie whimpered once again, tossing her hair back from her face as Kane began riding her hard. “oh god…Kane please…harder” she begged. He had no intention of disappointing her. He gripped her hips tightly and parted her thighs further, delving himself even deeper into her sweet sex.

“fuck…you’re so tight…ya like that? Am I fucking you hard enough?” Kane taunted as he gripped her hips even tighter, almost digging his nails into her skin as he thrust into her with an incredible amount of force. Stephanie bucked her hips up, desperately needing all of Kane, needing his every touch and needing to hear his every dirty word.

Kane growled as he worked himself hard. He couldn’t get enough of the feel of Stephanie tightly wrapped around him, he couldn’t get enough of her whimpers and moans of pleasure. Kane slowed his motions before stopping and Stephanie barely had time to ask why before Kane flipped her over onto her stomach. He pulled her up onto her hands and knees and continued thrusting back into her.

Stephanie threw her head back, letting her long red hair cascade over her back, and let out a scream of pure ecstasy. Kane smirked as he drove himself deep inside her, loving that he could drive her so absolutely wild. His left hand gripped her hip tightly as his right hand slid up her back then into her hair. He pulled her towards him as he leaned down, pressing his chest to her back.

“God your…amazing…so fucking tight…ya like me fucking you this way? Taking you…from behind?” he panted in her ear before sinking his teeth into her shoulder. Stephanie hissed as her entire body tingled with pure arousal.

“fuck me…harder…oh god…please” Stephanie panted heavily, her mind completely clouded from pleasure and unable to form a complete sentence. Kane released her hair and continued to thrust into her with all of his strength, wanting nothing more than to give Stephanie the most incredible orgasm of her life. Stephanie panted and whimpered before tossing her head back and screaming out Kane’s name as her orgasm completely consumed her.

Kane growled as he felt her tighten even more around him, her body striving to throw him off the edge as well. He growled as he rode out her orgasm and started feeling himself falling. Kane threw his head back and growled out Stephanie’s name as his orgasm exploded, pouring his warm seed deep inside her. He panted heavily as he slowed his thrusts, reveling in the feel of being inside her.

Kane smiled down at Stephanie as he breathed heavily, loving the flushed look in her cheeks. He slowly slid out of her before they both collapsed onto the bed, both of them covered in sweat and completely spent. Kane turned on his side and carefully pulled Stephanie to lay beside him. He smoothed a few strands of hair from her face and smiled into her sparkling green eyes.

“that was incredible” he whispered as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. She smiled up at him, unable to speak as her mind tried to process what just happened between them. “I wasn’t too rough, was I?” Kane asked softly as he stroked her back gently. Stephanie shook her head.

“No...absolutely not” she replied as she began to catch her breath. Kane chuckled softly and kissed her forehead. “Good...and now that you’ve spoken, I can tell that you didn’t damage your voice box with those pleasured screams” he stated. Stephanie glared at him playfully before giggling and giving him a good whack on his arm.

They both laughed softly as Kane pulled her tighter into his arms. Stephanie’s eyes looked deep into Kane’s, studying the expressions swimming through them. She knew she was in love with this man, after everything they’d shared so far together, she couldn’t help but love everything about him.

Kane placed another soft kiss on her forehead then a tiny kiss on the very tip of her nose. He couldn’t believe the softness of his actions, the almost romantic atmosphere between them. Kane was always convinced that there was no woman that he could ever love. There were women he could rut with every now and then, but never one that could pique his interest enough to have time to slip into his heart. He was now realizing just how wrong he was.

“Steph...I really want you to know that I wouldn’t have gone this far with you unless I knew I truly cared about you. I guess what I’m trying to say is...” Kane spoke softly, trying to say the words he so desperately wanted Stephanie to hear, “I love you. I felt something between us the very day I met you...but after the past month of being with you...I’ve realized just how much you mean to me Stephanie...just how much I need you.” Stephanie stared into his eyes in utter shock as she listened to his words. Tears sparkled in her eyes as she cupped his cheek in her little hand.

“Kane...” she whispered as her mind tried to comprehend Kane’s words and give him her hearts reply, “I love you too Kane...I have for a while, but this made me realize just how much I love you.” Kane smiled widely at her words and embraced her tightly as they both laughed softly. He rolled over onto his back, pulling Stephanie on top of him. She rested her chin on his chest and smiled up into his eyes.

“Are you staying the night? Or do you have to leave?” Stephanie asked as she stroked Kane’s chest. He felt his heart constrict at the shadow of sadness that passed through her eyes when she mentioned him leaving.

“Of course I’ll stay the night, but I might be gone before you wake up in the morning, I have the shop alone tomorrow” Kane explained. Stephanie smiled and snuggled against him, placing a soft kiss over his heart.

“well since your staying...” she stated slyly as she walked her pointer and index finger up his chest. He smirked evilly as his hands slid down her body and gripped her backside to pulled her to straddle him. Stephanie blushed and immediately tried to cover her bare breasts.

Kane took her wrists and pulled her hands away from her body so his eyes could linger on her body in manly appreciation. “Beautiful” he murmured as he began to harden beneath her. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she smiled down at him, her blush deepening.

“Never feel embarrassed about your body being exposed to me...you’re beautiful Stephanie...every curve and freckle” Kane stated as his hands slid up her stomach then cupped her breasts in his hands.

She tipped her head back and whimpered as he began enticing her body, and after tormenting her with pleasure, he joined their bodies once again to bring her on another ride to heaven and back.

Chapter 18

Stephanie’s eyes fluttered open as the morning sun poured through the open windows. A soft summer breeze wafted in, making the curtains dance gently. Stephanie rolled over and smiled when she saw Kane was gone. She was pleased that Kane had told her he would be leaving before she woke up instead of letting her worry.

After having a nice stretch and eye rub, Stephanie hopped out of bed and made her way into the bathroom for a hot shower. She couldn’t stop thinking about the previous night. Kane had touched her in ways she never imagined and brought her to the highest cloud in heaven. “I love him so much” she whispered as she stood under the steaming water.

Once she was finished, she dried off and slid on her red bath robe, then walked back into her bedroom and grabbed the phone. “Hello?” Jaslyn answered after Stephanie dialed her number. “Hey beautiful” Stephanie said cheerfully. “Hey angelface, how come you sound so happy?” she asked as she idly stroked David’s large bicep. “Kane spent the night last night” Stephanie stated, a smile glued to her face.

“He what?” Jaslyn exclaimed softly, keeping her voice down so she wouldn’t wake her peacefully sleeping husband. “I know I know, I’ve only been dating him for a month. But...last night he told me he loves, and I told him that I love him” she explained, suddenly afraid that her best friend and sister might think ill of her. “Are you upset with me?” Stephanie asked nervously.

“No no, of course not honey, I’m just concerned is all. I don’t want him to think he can take advantage of you by telling you he loves you” Jaslyn tried to explain. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she thought over her friends words. “I don’t think he would do that to me. I could tell he meant it by the look in his eyes and th way he touched me and held me” Stephanie stated softly.

‘I’m sure Glenn had the exact same demeanor when HE told you he loved you and wanted to never let you go’ Jaslyn thought, not daring to say that, not wanting to upset Stephanie’s happiness. “All I can say is follow your heart honey, but please...please be cautious. Will you promise me that you will be careful?” she begged. Stephanie smiled softly and replied “I promise.”

They talked a bit longer before exchanging their love then their goodbyes. Jaslyn sighed heavily as she turned off her cordless phone then tossed it aside. She had the worst feeling about what was going on between Stephanie and Kane. Glenn had told her that he was uneasy about his brother being with Stephanie but he was never specific as to why he felt that way.

“Something wrong?” David asked softly. Jaslyn turned towards him and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I didn’t wake you did I?” she asked as she continued stroking his arm. “No...now you answer my question darlin, what’s wrong? You look worried” David stated as he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.

“I’m just worried about Stephanie. I don’t really have a reason NOT to trust Kane, but I don’t know him practically at all. I know Glenn and I know that he loves her which is why she should trust him and listen to what he told her about Kane” Jaslyn said softly. David sighed softly.

“He never told her” David admitted. “What?” Jaslyn exclaimed as she lifted her head to look into his eyes, “what do you mean he didn’t tell her?”. “he’s been telling me everything that’s been going on just like Stephanie tells you everything, but...he said he just has to find the right time. He doesn’t want Steph to think he’s just bad mouthing Kane to get her away from him” David said as he stroked her back, calming her back down.

“This is all so stupid, maybe I should just tell her. It’s better she be bad at me and heed my word then not heed my word and be in the hospital or dead” Jaslyn stated sternly. “Jas, you know it should be Glenn that tells her” David suggested.

“Maybe...if I tell her, she knows I would never lie to her, not that Glenn would, but if she hears it from Glenn then she might just think it’s jealousy talking, not truth, ya know?” Jaslyn explained. David thought that over. His adorable wife did have a point and he knew Stephanie would immediately think Glenn was only saying bad things about Kane because he was jealous.

“True...maybe you should tell her. How about this, we’ll stop over at Glenn’s and talk to him, unless he’s at the gym, then we’ll go see him there” David suggested. Jaslyn smiled up at him and pulled him down to her for a delicious morning kiss.

“Mmm, I think we need a shower before we go anywhere” David suggested slyly before shoving the covers off their bodies and scooping her up in his arms and whisking her away into the bathroom.

Stephanie dialed the number to Glenn’s gym and smiled when she heard him answer. “Hello sir” Stephanie said, using her best British accent, “I was wondering how much a yearly membership is to your gym.” Stephanie tried to hold back her laughter when Glenn started rattling off different prices for different kinds of memberships.

“Wow, your not with it today are you” Stephanie stated, using her regular voice. Glenn quirked an eyebrow before sighing and smacking himself in the forehead. “Hey sweetheart, no, I’m not really focused today” Glenn replied as he ran his hand over his smooth head. “Why not? Is everything okay?” she asked, then bit her bottom lip, realizing that Glenn was probably still thinking about her and Kane.

“Yeah...everything’s fine” Glenn lied, not wanting to get into any kind of argument on the phone. “Well I just wanted to call and make sure everything was alright” Stephanie stated as she twirled the cord of her bathrobe around her finger nervously. Glenn listened to her delicate words and wished he was there to hold her, to tell her how much he loves her, and to tell her what a monster his brother truly is.

“Are you busy today?” Glenn asked. “I’m just going to visit Kane at his bike shop, then I was actually hoping that we could have lunch, spent some quality time together” Stephanie suggested, her voice so hopeful. Glenn smiled and nodded. “Absolutely, I’ll pick you up at your house at around one, that’s the earliest I can get out of here for lunch” Glenn said.

“Okay, sounds wonderful, I’ll be home, Glenn” Stephanie stated. He savored the delicious sound of his name on her lips once again. “See ya then” Glenn said before they exchanged goodbyes.

Stephanie stood from the bed and quickly dressed in a tight white tank top and light blue jeans that were ripping on the thighs and knees and tight enough to see every curve of her luscious form.

She brushed out her hair and tied it up in a high pony tail before slipping on her steel toed Timberlan boots then grabbing her wallet and keys. She grabbed her thin jean jacket just in case then headed down the stairs and out the front door, making sure to lock it behind her.


Kane wiped the sweat off his forehead with his arm then continued putting new brakes on a Harley Davidson Sportster. He couldn’t get Stephanie off his mind which was beginning to ruin his concentration on his work.

“Damn it!” Kane cursed when he sliced his finger accidentally. He tossed his screwdriver down and stood then walked into his office as he muttered about his stupidity. He grabbed a white rag and wrapped it around his hand then tied it to secure it. “Well, nice office, a tad on the dirty side, but that’s okay” Stephanie said as she leaned against the door frame of Kane’s office door. Kane turned and smiled when he saw his love entering his office.

“Hey sweetheart” Kane said with a smile as he wrapped his arms around her then kissed her lips softly. “Hey honey, how’s business?” she asked as she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly.

“Great, I have probably another dozen bikes to work on” Kane said a bit bitterly, “two of my buys bailed on me today, so I’ve got my work cut out for me.” Stephanie smiled up at him then leaned up and kissed his cheek softly. “You can handle it though, your good like that” Stephanie stated before giggling softly. Kane held her hands and took a step back so he could study her.

“You should wear jeans like that more often” Kane suggested as he pulled her back against him and slid his right hand down her body to her backside. “Kane!” she exclaimed when he gave her backside a nice squeeze then a light tap. “I love you” Stephanie stated with a smile as she linked her arms around Kane’s neck. “I love you too sweetheart” Kane replied as he picked her up then sat her down on his desk.

“Are you hungry or thirsty?” we have a few vending machines with snacks and drinks” Kane stated, feeling a bit embarrassed, “I wish I had something better for you, I just haven’t gotten around to fixing things around here yet.” Stephanie kissed Kane’s lips once more.

“No no no, don’t worry about it honey, I love this place the way it is” she said as she ran her hands down his chest. She glanced at his hand and noticed it was wrapped in a white cloth then saw blood staining it. “What happened?” Stephanie exclaimed as she grabbed his hand.

“Oh, nothing, I just slipped and cut myself with my stupid screwdriver” Kane admitted through gritted teeth. Stephanie sighed and placed a soft kiss on his hand. “There, all better” she said before giving another smile. Kane kissed her forehead the her lips and pressed his forehead against her’s.

“by the way, your monkey wrench is on the floor” Stephanie stated before giggling at the look on Kane’s face. “You act as if I have no idea what tools are, love” she stated. “Smartass” Kane mumbled, making her giggle as he bent over to pick of the wrench. “So you think you know your tools, do ya?” Kane asked, “let’s test that.” He helped her off his desk then took her hand in his and lead her back out towards the Harley he was working on.

“What’s that one?” he asked as he pointed towards one. “It’s a riveter” she stated with her arms crossed and a sly smirk on her face. Kane chuckled and kissed those luscious lips before walking back over to the bike and continuing to work on it. “Did you sleep well?” Kane asked as he picked his screwdriver back up. “I slept wonderfully...you?” she asked.

“I slept with you in my arms, how could I sleep any other way than perfectly?” Kane asked, glancing up from his work to wink at her. Stephanie blushed and sat down on a bench near him. “This is a really nice motorcycle” Stephanie commented as she watched him work, “I’ve always wanted a motorcycle.”

Kane glanced up at her again and smiled. “Really? Have you ever been on one?” he asked. “No...I wish...they look so amazing” Stephanie stated as she looked around the garage, studying all the other motorcycles and tools and such. “I’ll take you for a ride on one of mine later on if you want, darlin” Kane offered, feeling eager to show her how wonderful a motorcycle ride could be. Stephanie’s eyes immediately brightened at his words and she nodded enthusiastically.

“That would be incredible!” Stephanie exclaimed. Kane chuckled softly and nodded. “What do you wanna do for lunch?” Kane asked as he finished with the brakes finally. Stephanie bit her bottom lip at Kane’s question, realizing that she hadn’t told him of her plans with Glenn.

“Actually honey, I meant to tell you...I’m going out to lunch with Glenn” Stephanie stated, hoping Kane won’t be upset with her. Kane raised his head to look at her, his eyebrows drawn together in a deep frown. “...with Glenn?” Kane asked as he set down his tools then stood.

“Yes, I feel that me and him haven’t been spending enough time together” Stephanie admitted. A dark look came into Kane’s eyes as he thought about Stephanie with Glenn. Kane turned away from her to fix his tools on a nearby table, trying to calm his temper.

“Are you okay sweetheart?” Stephanie asked as she stood from the bench. “Fine” Kane mumbled, his back still towards her. “Don’t lie to me” Stephanie demanded. Kane sighed heavily then turned to face her. “Don’t worry about me, just enjoy you day and time with Glenn...just don’t enjoy it too much” Kane stated, his arms crossed over his chest. Stephanie’s face was a look of utter disgust.

“Are you kidding me?” she asked, her hands now on her hips defensively. Kane cringed when he realized he had said his last thought out loud. “Steph...” he started to say. “No, no Steph! What kind of person do you think I am? Do you actually think that one night I’m with you and telling you how much I love you then the next day I’m gonna go have sex with my best friend?” Stephanie asked, her voice rising. Kane sighed heavily and shook his head.

“No, I know you wouldn’t do that. But can you blame me for worrying? You and Glenn have been friends for how many years now? Something must’ve formed between you two. I know you would never do anything like I implied, which I never should have even thought, and I know I can trust you” he stated as he approached her, “I’m really sorry Stephanie, I should’ve never even had the thought of you doing that.” Kane slid his hands down Stephanie’s arms and looked deep into her eyes. Stephaine sighed softly and nodded.

“Apology accepted” she said softly before wrapping her arms around Kane’s waist. “I love you” Kane whispered in her ear before nuzzling her neck. Stephanie giggled as Kane’s breath tickled her neck.

“I love you too Kane” she replied before shrieking when he blew a raspberry on her neck. He chuckled as she squirmed in his arms then groaned when she turned around and accidentally rubbed her backside against him. “You’re so gonna get it later for that” Kane groaned in her ear. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as her body tingled from Kane’s baritone voice.

“Mmmm, what am I gonna get?” Stephanie purred as she purposely rubbed herself against him again. Kane growled and grabbed her pony tail, yanking it to press her back against his chest.

“Get your sweet little ass in my office” Kane demanded, sending shivers of pleasure and excitement through Stephanie’s body. Stephanie swayed her way into his office then stopped in the doorway to turn to him and beckon him towards her with her index finger. Kane glanced around and saw no one and knew no one would be there for a few hours, so he turned back to her and licked his lips in her direction before following her into his office.

“So, Mr Jacobs...what is it that I get?” Stephanie asked innocently as she hopped back up on Kane’s desk and batted her eyelashes at him, her legs crossed at the ankles. Kane’s eyes roamed relentlessly over her, studying her delicious body as she was seated on his desk. He shut and securely locked the door. Kane approached her and grabbed her right wrist roughly then began stroking her palm against the large bulge in his jeans.

“How about you get that?” Kane groaned as he stared down at her with such intensity. Stephanie licked her lips as she smiled up at him. “Give it to me” she purred as her free hand stroked up and down his chest. Kane smirked down at her before roughly spreading her legs and settling himself between her thighs.

“You look delicious on my desk” Kane groaned in her ear as he slid his hands up her sides, underneath her tank top. Stephanie tossed her head back and whimpered when Kane’s hands cupped her breasts and started massaging them a bit roughly. As Kane slipped off Stephanie’s tank top, she was too distracted by his magical hands as they worked on her body, clouding her mind with such passion.

“Touch me” Stephanie whimpered before gasping at he feel of Kane’s lips on her breasts. “That’s my girl” Kane murmured as he gently nudged her to lay down flat on his desk, “let me give you what you want.” Kane smirked down at her as her eyes closed, her face completely etched with pleasure as his hands groped her breasts.

“Kane please” Stephanie begged, arching her back into his touch. Kane held back a growl as he watched her, his body hardening even more at the sight of her in such an aroused state. He meticulously stripped off Stephanie’s boots, socks, then jeans and panties before removing his own shirt. Stephanie immediately slid her hands up his smooth chest then down his back at the sight of his bare body.

“God, I love touching you, how can your body be so perfect? So muscular and delicious...” Stephanie purred as Kane leaned over her and began sucking and nibbling on her neck.

“Perfection is solely on your shoulders, love” Kane groaned as he unbuttoned then unzipped his jeans and pushed them down, freeing his painfully hard erection. Stephanie whimpered loudly when Kane gripped her thighs and pulled her to the edge of his desk then was suddenly filling her body to the hilt. She called out his name desperately as her mind reeled from such a fast and unexpected pace.

Stephanie pulled herself up to a sitting position, her arms angled behind her to hold her up, and looked deep into Kane’s eyes before thrust hard into her. Without hesitation, Kane pulled out and slammed back inside her, giving her the fast rough pace he knew they both wanted and needed.

“Kane! God...yes...harder baby” Stephanie whimpered as Kane draped her legs over his forearms. He growled as he worked himself hard, wanting Stephanie to feel the most amount of pleasure she’d ever felt in her life.

“Ya like that? Huh? Ya want it harder, Steph? I’ll fuck you harder alright, nice and hard” Kane growled as his grip on her tightened and his thrusts became much more powerful, slamming into her with such force. Stephanie tossed her head back and almost screamed out as such an intense pleasure was exploding inside her body, building and building.

“fuck me! God yes…Kane…yes” Stephanie almost screamed, the gratification almost too much to bare. Kane growled and leaned forward, slamming his lips to her’s in a brutally delicious kiss. There tongues tangled, their breath hitching as their bodies began winding out of control.

Kane tilted Stephanie’s hips up a bit more before continuing his wonderful assault on her, the angle driving him deeper inside her. Stephanie immediately tossed her head back and screamed out Kane’s name as her climax reached it peak, her orgasm tearing through her body.

Kane growled as he smirked down at her, riding her hard through her orgasm, but after a while of feeling her body milking him towards his own release was just too much. Kane growled out Stephanie’s name as he thrust wildly into her, his seed pouring deep inside her as his body convulsed with the force of his climax. Kane finally released Stephanie’s body and collapsed on top of her, still holding himself up a bit so he wouldn’t hurt her.

They both were panting heavily, sweat covering their bodies as they held each other tightly. Stephanie kept her eyes closed as she caught her breath. She stroked Kane’s back and head as she felt his large chest rising and falling against her tiny form.

“I love you” Stephanie whispered as Kane’s hands slid up into her hair. Kane slowly sat up until he was once again standing and pulling her up by the grip on her hair. Stephanie bit her bottom lip with an evil smile at the stinging feeling of him pulling her hair. Kane’s eyes searched deep into hers before he kissed her lips softly then smiled.

“I love you too sweetheart” he whispered before releasing his grip on her hair and lovingly stroking her long red tresses. Kane’s arms wrapped around her body and held her close to his chest, feeling Stephanie’s body against his and holding the feeling dear to his heart.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Kane asked, just realizing how roughly he was handling her body and the savage way he pulled her by her hair. Stephanie giggled softly and kissed his chest lovingly over his heart. “of course not…I loved every moment of everything” Stephanie assured him. Kane smiled and nodded before kissing the top of her head softly.

“I’m glad…I would never want to hurt you when I’m trying to make you feel wonderful” Kane replied. They spent a few more minutes holding each other and speaking softly towards one another before Kane pulled on his jeans then helped Stephanie dress before grabbing his shirt.

Stephanie and Kane made there way back out into the garage and spent more time working on the motorcycles and studying the types and tools, which Stephanie enjoyed thoroughly. She always wanted to learn more about motorcycles and now she was finally getting the opportunity to. She couldn’t believe that she had found someone like Kane, someone that had such common interests as her.

“well, I better get going. Glenn is picking me up at the house in a half hour” Stephanie stated as she pulled her hair up into a pony tail. Kane tensed at Stephanie’s mention of being with Glenn, but he suppressed his anger and turned to her with a smile. “okay, have fun sweetheart” he stated as he pulled her into his arms and held her tight. Stephanie wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed softly.

“I love you Kane. I will forever” Stephanie said softly as she snuggled her head against his chest. “I love you too Stephanie, always” Kane whispered in her ear before tilting her head back to place a kiss on her lips.

“I’ll be over when I close up the shop. I should be able to finish all these bikes today. Some need new engines which will take longer, but some just need little things here and there” Kane explained as he continued to hold her, not wanting to let her go.

“okay, I’ll be home. When I get home from Glenn’s I’ll take a nice shower and then…” Stephanie started to say. “how about you wait to take a shower until later…when I’m with you” Kane stated, his eyes shining with mischievousness. Stephanie giggled, her cheeks taking on a red blush.

“that sounds much better than taking a lonely shower” Stephanie said before leaning up and sharing a long, passionate kiss with Kane. Only a single stroke of his tongue, and Stephanie’s body was already reeling and wanting more. “I’ll see you later, princess” Kane promised before kissing her once more.

“okay, sweetheart” Stephanie replied. They shared another kiss before Stephanie headed to her truck, got in, and headed home to wait for Glenn, what she hoped would be a peaceful lunch, not one full of exploding tempers and things said but not meant.


Glenn pulled up into Stephanie’s driveway and parked in his usual spot. He was a bit worried about their lunch they were about to have together. Glenn was finally going to tell Stephanie about everything that Kane is, but he didn’t want to ruin there time together with anger and words misconstrued as jealousy. He took a deep breath before getting out of his truck and heading up Stephanie’s porch.

Stephanie was sitting on the couch arguing with herself about whether she should or shouldn’t tell Glenn about her and Kane, but she knew she had to. There was no way she could keep something like that away from her best friend. She jumped slightly when there was a knock on the door, she knew it was Glenn. She slid off the couch and hurried to the door and opened it.

“hey honey” Stephanie greeted with a smile of pure joy. It was wonderful to see a smile so beautiful on Glenn’s face once again. “hey sweetie” Glenn replied as he walked into the house. Stephanie closed the door then turned and wrapped her arms around Glenn’s waist.

“how are you?” Stephanie asked as she held him tightly. Glenn’s arms wrapped around her as he smiled down at her small frame. “well at the moment I couldn’t be better” he replied with a soft chuckle. Stephanie giggled as well and finally released him. “so where are we going for lunch?” Stephanie asked as she still held one of Glenn’s hands in hers.

Glenn raised his eyebrows at her question. Stephanie laughed and smacked her palm against her forehead. “stupid question” she said, realizing that they would go to their favorite diner. “let’s get going” Glenn suggested as he lead her towards the door.

Glenn couldn’t help but stare at Stephanie as she ate her crispy chicken salad. It seemed like forever since he had last studied her face, her hair, her body. Stephanie’s eyes lifted to Glenn’s and she smiled.

“like what you see?” she asked playfully. Glenn shook out of his intense focus and smirked. “sorry darling, I don’t mean to stare at you or anything…just looking is all” Glenn explained. “no problem honey, I know we haven’t really been all that in tune with each other lately. We should never go that long without hanging out again, it wasn’t right” Stephanie stated firmly. Glenn nodded in agreement.

“Glenn, after this can we go for a walk down to Butterfly Pond? I want to talk to you about something, it’s pretty important, but nothing to fret over” Stephanie assured him, even though she knew that it was definitely something to fret over, to yell over, to flip out over for that mater. “anything you want darlin” Glenn replied before continuing to eat his large turkey sandwich.

Once they finished, Glenn paid then they drove Glenn’s truck back to Stephanie’s house and started their walk through Stephanie’s backyard, the large field which lead to the woods. They traveled in relative silence to enjoy the nature surrounding them, making a joke every now and then that they both could enjoy a soft laugh from.

Finally, they entered a clearing which opened up into a wonderful view of a pond surrounded by trees. The pond was shaped almost like a butterfly which is obviously where it’s name originated from. They both sat down in the soft grass and breathed in the fresh air around them.

“I love it out here, I could never live in the city” Stephanie stated as she looked around at all the trees and lily pads in the pond. “I hear that” Glenn agreed. “so how’s your writing going?” Glenn asked as he turned towards her. Stephanie smiled and sighed happily. “it’s going great, I should finish this story in another month or two. It’ll definitely be a good one that everybody can enjoy” Stephanie stated happily. Glenn chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“I can’t wait to read the finished copy” Glenn stated. He studied her smiling face and the adorable position she was sitting in. “guess what” Glenn stated. Stephanie eyebrows furrowed together in confusion and question.

“what?” she asked. Glenn immediately dove on top of her and pinned her arms above her head with one hand. Stephanie’s eyes were wide with surprised and she was just about to ask him what he was doing when his free hand started tickling her stomach. Stephanie screamed out her laughter and squirmed relentlessly as Glenn tickled her unmercifully.

“STOP!” Stephanie screamed as she laughed hysterically. Glenn laughed at the look on her face and the way her nose wrinkled when she laughed so hard. “you want me to stop what?” Glenn taunted as he continued to tickle her stomach and sides.

“TICKLING ME” Stephanie screamed before letting out an ear piercing scream of laughter. Glenn laughed and replied “tickling you? Tickle you? Okay” he stated as he continued. Finally, he could tell she need to stop laughing and breathe, so he stopped but still held her to the ground. She continued to laugh five minutes straight after he stopped, still feeling the effects of his touch.

“you’re…so…evil” Stephanie panted as she still giggled softly. Glenn smiled down at her and nodded, “yes, yes I am.” It felt so incredible to both Stephanie and Glenn to have this playful interaction back between them. Glenn hadn’t tickled Stephanie for the longest time, and it felt good for both of them that he finally did once again. “one of these days I’m going to tickle you until you cry” Stephanie threatened as Glenn finally let her up.

“and how will you do that when you can’t hold me down?” Glenn asked. “I’ll have Mark come over here and tie you down” Stephanie threatened playfully. She was referring to her and Glenn’s friend Mark Callaway who was a wrestling trainer and owned his own training school.

“when’s the next time Mark is coming up, anyway?” Stephanie asked out of curiosity. “I’m not sure, I haven’t talked to him in a while, but I should give him a call and have him stop up for a while” Glenn stated. Stephanie cherished the way they were getting along at the moment, just like they always used to before Kane came into her life, but she knew they had to talk.

Glenn saw a tiny shadow creep into Stephanie’s eyes and he knew that she was thinking about what she had to tell him. The fact that she had to tell him something that brought a shadow into her eyes instead of a shine didn’t ease his wariness, but they had to talk. She had something to tell him, and he had something to tell her.

“so, what’s on your mind beautiful?” Glenn asked. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she flopped down onto her back, her hair spreading over the ground since she had taken it out of her hair tie. “it’s hard to talk about” Stephanie began. She didn’t just want to blurt it out, but she had a feeling that Glenn already knew. She couldn’t tell why she had that feeling, but she felt as though Glenn was just waiting for her to state the obvious.

“wait…before you go on” Glenn interrupted, “let me tell you something first, it’ll give you time to situate your thoughts.” Stephanie nodded happily, wanting nothing more than more time to stall with her news. “Stephanie I want to talk to you about Kane” Glenn stated. Stephanie’s eyes widened a bit, afraid that Glenn was about to tell her that he already knew.

“okay” she said softly. Glenn studied her before sighing and looking down at the grass. “Kane isn’t who you think he is” he continued, his hands fidgeting with a blade of grass that he continued to drop on his jeans and pick up over and over. “What do you mean?” Stephanie asked with confusion as he sat up and folded her hands in her lap.

“Okay…I’m going to tell you the truth because you’re my best friend and you mean the world to me. You know I love you and I would never want anything bad to happen to you” Glenn said before taking a deep breath, “Kane isn’t as sweet as he seems to be. In past relationships of his, he has been known to hit his girlfriends. I’m not just saying this to upset you or make you think badly of him or anything, but I know that you seemed to feel a connection towards him. I want to tell you this before anything happens between you, hopefully nothing will. He’s terrible with his temper and he’s been known to lose it very often and for reason that are pointless.”

Stephanie stared at Glenn as if he’d just grown another head. She couldn’t think of one thing to say as she let his words flow through her head. Kane had hit his girlfriends? How is that possible with the tenderness he always showed her? “You can’t be serious” she stated as she stared at him. “I’m very serious” Glenn replied, “I want you to be safe and that’s why I’m warning you before anything happens.” Stephanie wasn’t sure whether he was honestly trying to protect her or if he was just letting his jealousy getting the better of him.

“well now that I’ve told you the truth about my brother, what do you want to tell me?” Glenn asked, preparing himself for either good news of bad news. Stephanie sat up, shaking off the daze of Glenn’s words. She looked up into his eyes and took a deep breath before saying “me and Kane have been going steady for the past month.”

Glenn’s eyes widened at her words and a complete look of betrayal flashed in his eyes. “what did you just say?” Glenn asked as he got to his feet. Stephanie stood as well, trying to find the words to smooth everything over.

“Glenn…I was afraid to tell you, I didn’t want you to be upset and I didn’t want you to think like I was a whore. Kane and I really care about each other and he’s never lifted a harmful hand against me and he won’t” Stephanie stated confidently. Glenn turned away from her to face the pond, his hands clenched on his hips. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He couldn’t believe that for a month, Stephanie had been dating his brother behind his back.

“how could you do this Stephanie?” Glenn asked, his voice a bit uneasy from his anger. “Glenn, I didn’t want you to be upset. I KNEW that if I told you, you would immediately want me to break up with him and tell him to leave. I can’t do that Glenn, I love him, and he loves me” Stephanie stated, her hands crossing underneath her breasts. Glenn turned to her with a disgusted face expression.

“he loves you? He doesn’t love you Stephanie! He just wants to be with you so he can get in your pants then beat the hell out of you. That’s all Kane ever wants, and that’s to control his girlfriends and hit them to keep them in line” Glenn retorted, his voice rising. Stephanie’s jaw dropped at his hostile words.

“how DARE you say that to me? Kane cares about me and he would never hurt me! He loves me and I love him! We have been together for over a month and it’s been amazing. He’s probably never laid his hand on a woman in his life, one of his ex’s has probably just told some wild story to get attention for all you know” Stephanie said, her voice rising as well, “you’re probably just saying this so I won’t be with him.” Glenn’s eyes widened at her accusations.

“you think I’m lying? Are you kidding me Stephanie?” Glenn demanded, “I would never lie just so you would do something I want you to do.” Stephanie sighed and turned away from him as tears welled in her eyes. This day had went from wonderful, so terrible in a matter of moments. She was hoping Glenn would understand her relationship with Kane, but apparently not.

She wasn’t sure if she could believe what Glenn had said about Kane. She would have to talk to Kane and see what the real story was. “I didn’t want this to happen” Stephanie stated softly. Glenn sighed heavily as his hands returned to his hips. He didn’t want to ever upset Stephanie, but he had to tell her the truth about Kane and how he felt about her dating him for a month without him knowing. “Stephanie, I’m not trying to make you upset and make you feel like you shouldn’t be with Kane but...I don’t want you with him.

As long as you’re with him, you’re in danger, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. I don’t want him to hurt you” Glenn stated as he approached her and rested his hands on her shoulders. Stephanie took a deep breath and turned to face her best friend.

“Glenn...I’m not breaking up with Kane. I love him, and he loves me. He will NOT hurt me...he’s never lifted a harmful hand towards me and he never will” Stephanie stated stubbornly. The man who held her so securely and safely in his arms, the man that called her his princess, the man who made love to her with such intensity and hunger yet still with a sense of gentile could never hurt her, could never hit her or ever even hurt her feelings. Glenn sighed and pulled Stephanie into his arms. He held her tightly and stroked her hair as he thought.

He couldn’t for the life of him think of a way to keep Stephanie away from Kane. When Stephanie’s heart and mind were set on something, she would never waver from that decision no matter what.

“Glenn I love you and you mean the world to me, but I just can’t believe that Kane would ever do anything like that” Stephanie said softly. Glenn held in the venomous words he wanted to spit about his brother, not wanting to push Stephanie any further away from him then she already felt to be.

“Be careful...that’s all I ask” Glenn pleaded. Stephanie held him tighter around his waist and kissed his chest softly. “I promise to be careful” she said softly. They stood there for a while longer, holding each other and letting there thoughts taken over one another before heading back towards the house.

“Call me sometime soon so I know everything is going fine?” Glenn asked as he leaned against his truck. Stephanie smile and shook her head. “You act as if I’m not aloud to call you or talk to you” Stephanie stated, “don’t worry, I’ll call you either tonight or tomorrow.”

Glenn nodded and hugged her tightly then kissed her cheek before getting into his truck. Stephanie watched as Glenn backed out of her driveway then drove down the road back home.

“Well...” she said softly to herself as she turned to walk up the porch, “that went as well as could’ve been expected.”

Chapter 19

“He hates me” Stephanie stated sadly, tears streaming down her face as she cradled the phone to her ear. “He doesn’t hate you honey, Glenn could never hate you” Jaslyn replied, alarmed at Stephanie’s story of what happened. She had hoped Glenn would allow her to tell Stephanie about Kane, but the stubborn oaf wanted to do it himself. “He claims Kane used to hit his girlfriends. Why would he do that? He’s an angel, and I love him” Stephanie stated, her voice quivering as she tried to hold in her tears.

“Stephanie...I know it’s hard to believe Kane would ever do something like that but...remember...you don’t really know him all that well” Jaslyn said softly. Stephaine sighed heavily and nodded.

“I know, but why should I condemn a man for something he’s never done to me and I don’t even know if he’s done to others?” she asked as she wiped away her tears. Jaslyn hated to admit it, but Stephanie was right. Her and Kane seemed to love each other and there was no solid proof that Kane had ever hit a female in his life, so why should she give up the happiness she has because of something that might not even be true. However, Jaslyn was still not thrilled with the idea that her best friend might be with a man who could hurt her.

“I love you Steph, you know that. I know is seems like Kane is sweet and kind, which he is, but I’m just wary is all. Be careful, angelface” Jaslyn advised. “I promise I’ll be careful” Stephanie replied softly, repeating her earlier promise to Glenn. “Good, that’s my girl” Jaslyn said happily.

“So how’s Davey Boy doing? Keeping him busy?” Stephanie asked, trying to lighten the mood. “He’s doing good and you’re damn right I keep him busy” Jaslyn stated slyly. Stephanie giggled and got the full update on David’s and Jaslyn’s marriage. “You two seem so happy sweetheart. You two are very lucky” Stephanie stated.

“I know, I thank God every day for that man and always pray you find your soul mate. Who knows, maybe Kane is your soul mate...” Jaslyn said softly before mumbling, “or maybe Glenn is.”

“What hun?” Stephanie asked. “Nothing sweetie” Jaslyn retorted hastily. “Jas...” Stephanie admonished. Jaslyn sighed heavily and repeated “I said maybe Glenn is your soul mate.” Stephanie went silent as she thought over her best friends words. She loved Glenn knew she could always go to him for help and happiness, but there was just something about Kane that Glenn didn’t possess.

“I don’t know Jas...there’s just something about Kane that I don’t see in Glenn...but I don’t know what” she said before sighing and laying down on her bed. “Maybe it’s the mystery about him...even the bit of danger” Jaslyn replied as she ran her fingers through her hair.

“He’s a bit rough when we make love, and he pulled my hair alot...but God in heaven it felt so good Jaslyn...it’s the most amazing experience of my life when me and Kane are together. Dear Lord, you should hear some of the things he’s said to me. He could give an old lady a heart attack” Stephanie said before giggling. Just the thought of what Stephanie had done with Kane in his office was enough to make her body tingle. Her body was still a bit sore from their coupling in his office plus from the night before, but she enjoyed it thoroughly.

“Well I can guarantee you that one of the greatest parts of being with a man is hearing some of the deliciously dirty things that can come out of his mouth” Jaslyn said before joining in on her friends laughter. “So you two have been suing protection, right?” Jaslyn asked, expecting Stephanie’s answer to be an immediate yes, however, she got nothing but hesitation. “Stephanie?” she repeated.

“God...” Stephanie whispered as she ran her fingers through her hair and cursed under her breath, “how could I be so stupid?” Jaslyn sighed and shook her head. “It’s okay honey, just go to the OBGYN as soon as you can and get yourself on birth control” she suggested. “I’ll call when we’re finished and make an appointment. Usually they can get me in the day I call” Stephanie stated, her stomach beginning to flutter with nervousness, “what if I’m pregnant?”.

“don’t worry sweetheart, everything will be fine. You’ll go to the doctors and get on birth control before anything can happen” Jaslyn said confidently. Stephanie smiled softly at her best friends reassurance. “Thanks honey, I’m glad you seem so sure...because I don’t think I am” Stephanie said softly as she gripped the bed sheets in her free hand.

“Well I’m gonna get going hun, remember, tomorrow is our day and don’t forget to call the OBGYN. I have to go get some groceries then write more of ‘Waiting’ so I can get it done within the next three months or so” Jaslyn stated, hating to leave Stephanie in such a state of mind.

“No problem honey, and remember, I get to read what you write tomorrow when I come over” Stephanie said firmly before giggling softly. “Of course, and you better bring ‘Faithfully’ with you” Jaslyn demanded playfully.

“I will honey” Stephanie replied. They exchanged their love then their goodbyes before Stephanie hung up the phone. Stephanie then called the OBGYN and made an appointment for tomorrow. She sighed heavily as she pushed herself off the bed then kneeled on the floor and reached under the bed.

She pulled out a small clear box full of red candles then stood and head out of the room then down the stairs into the living room. Stephanie emptied the box of candles onto the couch then started setting them up around the house. She set a few in the kitchen then set the rest on the coffee table in front of the couch and on the mantle above the fireplace.

“There” she said happily as she moved around to light them all. Stephanie grabbed her pad and pen before settling down on the couch. She completely tossed herself into her writing, becoming her characters as she wove the drama around them. The hours passed as she wrote, the sun setting lower and lower, giving her house a soft glow from the lit candles. She glanced at the clock and saw it was almost eight o’clock, so she set her pen down to stretch her body.

“Three more chapters down” she stated happily as she looked down at her paper. Stephanie jumped suddenly when she heard the back door in the kitchen slam. She crawled off the couch, her body tense with the fear that a stranger, intruder, might be in her house.

“Glenn? Kane?” she called out, but received no response. She carefully made her way through the living room then into the kitchen. She couldn’t see anything that looked out of place or an empty space where something now stolen used to be. Stephanie sighed heavily with relief when she saw the back door had flung open from the heavy wind blowing outside.

“Good” she muttered as she closed it then locked it securely. Stephanie screamed when a hand suddenly covered her eyes then latched over her mouth. She was pulled against a strong hard body and shook a bit roughly as in a way for this man to tell her to shut up. Her entire body was ridged with fear as her captor dragged her out of the kitchen then into the living room.

Behind his hand, she was begging him to release her, begging him not to harm her. She immediately struggled when she felt the man’s lip begin to caress her neck. She twisted and jerked, trying to get away from him, but he was much larger by the feel of him and she was sure he had five times her strength. Slowly, Stephanie began to stop fighting as she concentrated on the man’s lips. Wait...she knew those lips!

Kane smirked as he felt Stephanie’s body melt against him. He suppressed a chuckle, now knowing that she knew exactly who he was, yet she continued top lay along with his little game.

Kane then bit down on her neck, hard, before sucking the same spot, wanting to leave his mark on her. Stephanie whimpered and arched against him, her entire body now tingling with such excitement instead of fear. A minute later, Kane pulled back and smiled at the sight of a dark purple, blue, and red mark on her sweet creamy skin.

“Scare ya, did I?” Kane growled in her ear before removing his hands from her eyes and mouth. She turned around and gave him a nice smack on the arm. “Yes! You almost gave me a heart attack!” She exclaimed. He laughed and pulled her into his arms then placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “But you enjoyed it” Kane murmured in her ear.

“Yeah, once I knew it was you” she replied as she snuggled her head against his chest. Kane scooped her up in his arms and carried her up the stairs, to her bedroom. “I’m sorry darlin, I didn’t mean to scare you too badly” Kane apologized as he sat her down on her bed. Stephanie climbed into his lap once he sat beside her and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“It’s okay Kane, it was actually...exciting” Stephanie admitted, a soft blush creeping into her cheeks. Kane raised his eyebrows at her in question. “Oh really?” he drawled as he leaned forward and kissed her lips softly. She returned the kiss before smiling and nodded at his question.

“Really” she replied. A sly smirk spread across Kane’s face as he studied her. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you about” Kane stated at he idly stroked Stephanie’s back. “Ask away, love” she stated as she slid her hands up and down Kane’s muscular biceps. “Have you ever thought about roleplaying?” he asked before looking into her eyes. Stephanie gave him a confused look before biting her bottom lip and looking down, a blush flushing her cheeks.

“I’ve written a few scenes involving roleplaying and Jaslyn and I used to talk about it...but I’ve never actually done it before” she replied softly as she idly stroked the back of Kane’s neck. He smirked and lifted her chin for her eyes to meet his gaze. “I’ve been thinking about it lately. Would you be willing to try a few roleplays with me?” Kane asked as his fingertips skimmed over her neck. Stephanie smiled into his eyes and giggled softly.

“I would love to. What kind did you have in mind?” she asked before grinding her hips down, rubbing Kane’s groin against her own. Kane groaned as his hands gripped her hips tightly. “Better behave young lady” Kane scolded with a smirk before landing a sharp slap on her backside. Stephanie whimpered with delight as she licked her now dry lips.

“I was thinking we could do a Slave and Master roleplay, a Doctor and Patient roleplay, or a...” Kane stated, pausing with apprehension before finishing, “or a rape roleplay.” Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she felt her entire body tingling at the thought of doing any of those roleplays with him then smiled. “Could we do the Slave and Master roleplay first?” she asked shyly. Kane smiled and pulled her against him tightly, hugging her.

“Of course” he stated before kissing her neck lovingly. “The only problem is that we don’t have anything to use or wear” Stephanie stated, pulling back to look at him. Kane smirked and slid her off him to sit on the bed. “Wait right here” he instructed before striding out of the room.

A minute later, he returned with a leather bag. She shook her head with amusement, figuring that he brought it in with him before he scared her to death. “Very nice” Stephanie stated as she stood from the bed and eagerly took the bag from him to search through it. He chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Pick everything in there that you want us to use sweetheart” he said as he watched her avidly search. She picked out a chain leash with a collar, a whip, and handcuffs. Kane licked his lips at her selection, dying to get this started. Stephanie turned to him and smiled, “all set.”

Kane nodded and took the bag then set it aside before turning back towards her. “Steph, I just want to warn you about things. Slave and Master roleplays usually are a bit more rough and as the Master I might say some things that are just for the roleplay, but if I say anything that offends you, I don’t mean it sweetheart” Kane warned as he slid his arms around her slim waist.

“I know sweetheart” she replied as she smiled up at him, “but that’s a good thing. I like it and rough, and I love dirty talk...as you pretty much know.” Kane groaned at her words, his body beginning to respond to her words and the little smirk she had on her face.

“Ready?” he asked. She smiled and nodded excitedly. “Ready” she replied. Kane wiped his face of any expressions as he looked down at Stephanie, studying her. Stephanie could already feel her excitement grow at the way Kane’s eyes roamed over her body. She slid her hands up Kane’s chest then gasped with surprise when Kane gripped her hair and pulled her head back, pulling her away from him. “Did I say you could touch me?” Kane demanded, his eyes burning into her’s.

“I...I’m sorry Kane” she stuttered, feeling a bit confused at the rapid change in attitude for the roleplay. Kane yanked back on her hair again and growled in her face “you’ll call me Master, do you understand me?”. Stephanie bit her bottom lip and nodded her head.

“Good...now be a good girl and strip...now” Kane demanded, releasing her hair with a bit of a push. Stephanie tucked her hair behind her ear before reaching for her shirt and sliding it up and over her head. She stripped off her jeans and was just about to take off her bra when Kane stopped her.

“No, leave the rest on” Kane stated as he grabbed her by the arm. “Get on the bed and get on your hands and knees” Kane demanded giving a little shove towards the bed. “Yes Master” Stephanie replied softly before crawling onto the bed and settling herself onto her hand and knees as she was told.

“Good girl” he stated with a smirk as he studied her. He strode over to the end up the bed and smirked down at her when she lifted her head to look up at him. Stephanie felt her body tingle with arousal at the way Kane was looking at her, so powerful, and completely in charge of her body. Kane leaned over and grabbed the whip that rested on the bed and looked down at his slave.

“Turn around” he demanded. Stephanie turned around, still on her knees, her head now facing the headboard and her backside facing Kane. Kane smirked and licked his lips. He walked over to the side of the bed and rested his left hand on her lower back before pulling his arm back then swinging it forward, cracking the whip against Stephanie’s backside. Stephanie whimpered and momentarily tensed considering she’s never been whipped before.

However, she thoroughly enjoyed stinging sensation the whip left behind. She smirked when she realized that Kane was introducing her to something she never knew she would enjoy. She screeched when Kane whipped her again, only harder. “Ya like that my little bitch? Huh?” he taunted before whipping her again. Stephanie tossed her head back and whimpered.

“Yes Master...I like that” she answered, her voice trembling slightly from the delicious blend of pain and pleasure. Kane brought his arm back and landed one more hard slap to her ass before tossing aside the toy. “Turn your ass around” Kane demanded. His breathing was a bit labored from the strength he has used to whip her as well as the pleasure he received from doing so.

“You’re such a good slave, so why don’t you keep my high esteem of you where it is and please me the way you know I like it” Kane stated as he reached down her stroke her hair before gripping the back of her head and lifting her up so he could lean down and run his tongue over her lips tauntingly. “How should I please you, Master?” Stephanie asked softly. Kane glared down at her before lifting his hand threateningly in the air. Stephanie flinched away before Kane tilted her head back to look into her eyes.

“Don’t ever speak again without my permission” Kane growled. Stephanie felt a slight fear well inside her as she watched Kane’s hand lower. She knew Kane would never hit her, but the fact that he raised his hand at all told her that he thought about it. ‘It’s just for the roleplay Stephanie, you have to remember that’ she told herself.

“What do you think I want from you, slave?” Kane asked as he pulled her face closer to his groin. Stephanie bit her bottom lip, trying not to smile as she felt an eagerness pouring out of her. She had never done anything like this before and she was so excited about the circumstances that she would be doing it under.

Stephanie hesitantly leaned back to kneel on her knees as she slid her hands up Kane’s thighs. She looked up into his eyes but lowered them back down when Kane gave her an admonishing look. Stephanie unbuttoned Kane’s jeans then pulled the zipper down as she bit back a smile.

She was so excited about what she was going to do and she prayed Kane would enjoy it. She pulled down his jeans, freeing his erection. Kane gripped Stephanie’s hair tightly and pulled her closer to him, urging her to continue. Stephanie tilted her head back to look up into his eyes as she opened her mouth, allowing Kane to slide himself into her mouth. Kane leaned his head back and closed his eyes as he felt himself succumbing to Stephanie’s delicious mouth.

When he realized what he was doing, he groaned softly before gaining control of himself. He looked down at her sternly and watched her, his eyes mesmerized as she watched her mouth slowly take him in.

“Good girl” Kane murmured as Stephanie’s tongue began to stroke him gently. Kane gripped her hair and forced himself more into her mouth before pulling her head back, letting her tongue slide up the underside of his erection. Kane gritted his teeth to hold back his grunts and groans he was dying to let out, but he had to remain in control, had to remain in the character of Stephanie’s master.

“You’re doing good slave. Keep that up and I might not punish you” Kane stated as his grip tightened on her hair. He pulled her head back down on him before pulling her back then releasing her.

“I think you can manage on your own” he said. Stephanie kept the eye contact with him as she picked up the pace just a bit, sliding him in and out of her mouth as her hands slid up his thighs to grip his hips. Stephanie moaned as she pleased him how he seemed to like it, then picked up her pace more. Kane grunted as he watched her pleasure him and felt her warm mouth on him, sucking him harder.

“That’s it slave...mmmm that feels good little one” Kane moaned as he tilted his head back once again then slid his hands into her hair and gripped it tightly. Stephanie whimpered on him as she moved faster, working to please him as best as she could. When Kane felt his control beginning to slip from his grasp, he finally pulled her away from him then shoved her onto her back. Kane quickly grabbed the set of handcuffs and quickly cuffed Stephanie’s wrists to the bed posts. She looked around, pulling at her bonds to test their strength before looking back up at him.

“Not a sound or movement, understand?” Kane demanded as he removed his jeans then crawled onto the bed to hover over her. Stephanie bit her bottom lip and nodded at his words. Kane smirked down at her before leaning down and slowly running the tip of his tongue around her belly button. She desperately tried to keep quiet and still as she watched his tongue run over her stomach.

Without warning, Kane reared back and yanked her bra off then tossed it aside before grabbing her panties and ripping them off as well. Stephanie gasped in shock at his sudden roughness then immediately pursed her lips when Kane shot her a warning glare.

Kane slid his right hand up her side then up to cover one of her breasts. He ran his thumb over her nipple, making it harden to a tight peak. Stephanie choked back a whimper but couldn’t avoid the twitch of her body from his touch. Kane’s hand immediately tightened on her breast, fondling her roughly.

“I said, don’t move” Kane growled before sliding his free hand up and gripping her other breast. Stephanie closed her eyes and kept calm as the pain slowly subsided and the pleasure began to override it. Kane licked his lips, his body dying to be inside her. His hands slid down her stomach then gripped her thighs and pulled them apart.

He settled himself down onto the bed and slowly spread kisses all over the insides of her thighs. Stephanie’s eyes took on a worried expression as she watched him. How could she possibly stay still and quiet while he did THAT? Next thing Stephanie knew, Kane’s tongue darted out and slowly started sliding up and down her naked sex.

Stephanie bucked her hips up and whimpered loudly as she tugged on her restraints. Kane lifted his head, halting his exploration of her body. “Slave...I have no problem punishing you” he threatened.

“I’m sorry Master” she whispered then pursed her lips and stilled her body. Kane immediately continued his torment on her body, and Stephanie was using every ounce of control she could muster to stay still and be silent. Her entire body was tingling uncontrollably and all she wanted to do was moan out his name and buck her hips into him. She almost let a whimper escape her mouth, but she bit down hard on her lower lip to keep herself quiet.

Kane picked up the pace with his tongue, lapping at her fiercely. Stephanie squeezed her eyes shut tightly, her body screaming to move. Her breathing was becoming heavier as she desperately tried to obey Kane.

He smirked up at her, watching her face expression as he felt her control deteriorating. Kane pulled back, making Stephanie sigh with both relief as well as displeasure, which didn’t last long. Kane settled between her parted thighs then tightly gripped her hips. Stephanie panted heavily as she felt Kane press himself against her. “You want me to fuck you now slave? Huh?” Kane taunted her as he slowly pushed himself inside her. “Yes...yes please Master” she begged, thankful for a reason to break the silence and be able to use her voice.

“Good girl, now keep that pretty little mouth of your’s shut” Kane growled before thrusting into her with extreme force. Stephanie bit her bottom lip extremely hard, trying with everything she had to not make a sound and not move against him. “Let go Slave...move with me...I wanna hear you” Kane demanded as he tilted her hips up so he could thrust deeper inside her. Stephanie tossed her head back and screamed out her pleasure as her hips thrust up frantically against his.

“Yes Master...harder...please!” she whimpered as perspiration formed all over her body, as well as Kane’s. “that’s my girl...whimper...scream...I wanna hear you” Kane growled as he thrust into her harder and faster, his body beginning to tingle as his release approached rapidly.

“Fuck...fuck me...harder...oh god!” Stephanie screamed out as she tossed her head from side to side then threw it back and screamed out Kane’s name as her orgasm exploded throughout her body. Kane thrust as hard and fast as he could into her then buried himself deep inside her when his release finally over took him. Kane spilled his seed deep inside her before collapsing on top of her, making sure not to crush her. He reached over and unlocked her wrists from the handcuffs then rolled onto his back and pulled her into his arms.

“I love you...so much” Kane whispered as he tried to catch his breath. Stephanie breathed heavily, a sated smile plastered on her face as her head rested on Kane’s chest. He stroked her sweat-dampened hair as he cradled her against him. “I...love you too Kane” Stephanie whispered as she stroked his chest with her hand, loving the feel of his heart beating so lively under her touch.

“I was gonna wait to tell you this later, but I just can’t anymore” Kane said softly as he turned onto his side then pulled Stephanie up to be face to face with him. She smiled softly into his beautiful black eyes and kissed him. “Tell me” she said softly as she scooted closer to him. Kane pulled the thin bed sheet over their bodies then kissed her forehead softly.

“You know that new ranch they’ve been building out by Lake House road?” Kane asked. Stephanie nodded at his words. The place he was speaking of was about a ten minute drive from her and Glenn’s houses. “Well” Kane continued, “they’ve been building that specifically...for me.” Stephanie’s eyes widened at Kane’s words.

“You...you’re moving here? But what about your house in Texas?” Stephanie asked as she pushed herself up onto one of her elbows. Kane smiled and shook his head, “I’m not selling it. I can handle two houses, especially if I’m only living in one at a time” Kane replied. Stephanie squealed and threw her arms around his neck, holding him closely. “I can’t believe your moving here” she said happily as tears welled in her eyes.

“Hey hey now, no tears” Kane chuckled softly as his arms tightened around her. “I’m sorry, I’m just really happy” she stated with a smile as she wiped her tears away. Kane kissed her lips then her forehead and smiled into her beautiful emerald eyes.

“It won’t be done for another few weeks, but when it is, we’ll have all the privacy in the world” Kane stated, chuckling softly when Stephanie hugged him tightly again. Kane’s mind reeled at the possibilities of having an empty house to his and Stephanie’s disposal. There was now no way Glenn could get in the way of Kane’s plans.

“I love you Steph, and now there’s no need to worry...” Kane said as he pulled the covers up a bit more to make sure she was warm, “because I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Chapter 20

Stephanie paced her bedroom as tears streamed down her face. How could she be so stupid? How could she have let this happen? “Jas, what if I’m pregnant?” Stephanie whispered as she settled onto the floor, curling up in a ball. Jaslyn sat down beside her and pulled her into her arms.

“Don’t worry, don’t panic until you know for sure. But how could you have sex with him without protection when you were JUST on the phone with me talking about it yesterday?” Jaslyn asked as she stroked Stephanie’s hair.

“I know...I’m stupid...I wasn’t thinking. Kane was distracting me and everything just left my head. Please don’t be mad at me, please!” Stephanie exclaimed as she clung to her best friend.

“Shhhh honey, it’s okay, I’m not mad at you, but you CAN’T have sex without protection anymore, you HAVE to remember to take these pills every day” Jaslyn stated forcefully as she held Stephanie’s birth control in her free hand. Stephanie had gone to the OBGYN earlier that day and got her first month supply of birth control.

“I’ll never forget” Stephanie swore. “Good girl, now let’s go take that test, come on, I’ll stay with you” Jaslyn said as she helped Stephanie to her feet then lead her into the bathroom.


Kane smirked to himself as he worked on his fifth motorcycle of the day. He couldn’t stop thinking about last night. The things he had done to Stephanie should be illegal, and if what they did was a real situation, technically it was. After they had done there slave and master roleplay, Kane did a bit of talking to convince Stephanie to do a rape roleplay, considering Stephanie is deathly afraid of rape.

“My little princess...” he muttered to himself as he continued his work. He didn’t want to cause any problems for himself but he couldn’t help but think of how Stephanie struggled against him, begging him not to touch her, trying shove him away from her as he held her down and thrust into her like an animal.

Kane knew he should be worried considering out of all the times him and Stephanie were together, they never once used protection. “She’ll figure something out, everything’ll be fine” he said to himself as he stood, straddled the bike, and started the engine to make sure it worked properly.


Jaslyn hugged Stephanie tightly after they found out the results of Stephanie’s pregnancy test. “It’s okay sweetheart” Jaslyn whispered as she stroked Stephanie’s back, “No need to cry.” “I’m sorry...I’m just so happy it’s negative” Stephanie whispered.

“You won’t have to worry about this ever again as long as you take those pills” Jaslyn admonished. Stephanie nodded, so thankful to have Jaslyn with her, helping her through this. “Thank you for being here for me” Stephanie whispered as she slowly pulled away.

“I’m always going to be here for you, angelface” Jaslyn replied before kissing Stephanie’s forehead. Stephanie smiled softly and hugged her best friend once more. Stephanie couldn’t help but notice that she had not told Glenn about any of this. Stephanie would always tell Glenn EVERYTHING that went on in her life, and now she would be surprised if he even remembered her name. “I should call Glenn” Stephanie said softly. Jaslyn nodded.

“I completely agree” she said before releasing her friend and grabbing the cordless phone for her. “I promise to make it fast, this is our day” Stephanie said as she dialed Glenn’s number. “Don’t worry honey” Jaslyn replied as she sat down beside her on the bed.


Glenn continued to unload his anger on the heaviest punching bag in his gym, his knuckles already beginning to bleed. It was pretty bad for him to be illustrating such a lack of concern for himself since he always warns everyone that uses his punching bags to wrap their hands in athletic tape or use gloves.

Glenn halted his assault on the bag when his cell phone began vibrating against his hip. He panted heavily and stared down at it, contemplating whether to pick it up or not. Kane had left him some sick messages on his phone about what he did to Stephanie the previous night. He wasn’t in the mood to pick up his phone and hear the disgusting details in person.

‘How could she even agree to do some of that stuff?’ Glenn wondered as he detached his phone from his jeans. “Hello?” he said solemnly into it. “Hey honey” Stephanie said softly into the phone, nervously twirling the cord around her fingers. “Steph...God it’s good to hear your voice” Glenn said with a sigh of relief as he moved over to sit on a bench.

“Is everything okay, Glenn?” she asked, suddenly worried by his words. “no worries darlin, things are just busy around here and it’s putting a lot of stress on me” he replied, not daring to tell her that Kane was tormenting him with unwanted information about his and her relationship.

“You need a day off, and I think you should take one soon. We need to spend more time together Glenn, you KNOW I don’t want things to change between us just because I’m with Ka...” Stephanie started to say, halting on Kane’s name in fear it would upset Glenn.

“Don’t worry about it Steph, you’re with Kane, I know. But remember, the town’s annual carnival is coming up in a few weeks” Glenn reminded her. Stephanie smiled. “That’s right, I almost forgot. I can’t wait, we’ll have so much fun” she stated happily. Glenn couldn’t help but smile at the happiness he could now hear in her voice. “Yes we will” Glenn guaranteed.

“Well I know I’ll get to see you everyone morning, I’m starting my workout routine again, and I need you, of course, I need you as my personal trainer” Stephanie said sweetly. Glenn chuckled and nodded. “Good, your ass can’t get lazy, I’ll see you tomorrow morning then” Glenn stated, a smile on his face.

“Okay sweetie, see you then” she replied. They said their goodbyes before they hung up. “See? Now don’t you feel better?” Jaslyn asked with raised eyebrows. Stephanie smiled and nodded, knowing her best friend was right.

“Yes, I feel better, and now hopefully everything can get back to normal around here” she stated. “Now let’s go get our notebooks, we both have a lot of reading to do” Jaslyn said as she slid off the bed and grabbed her best friends hands. Stephanie laughed and pushed herself up then hurried down stairs to get her notebook, her hope of normality being restored slowly becoming brighter.


A few weeks passed with everything getting back to normal. Stephanie went to the gym every morning and got a wonderful work out as well as Glenn’s company. They joked as they always did in the past and Stephanie felt like God was smiling down on her. All she ever wanted was for her and Glenn to get back to where they once were and stop the arguing that always arose ever since she started dating Kane. Stephanie continued to not mention anything to Glenn about her and Kane’s relationship and Glenn never ever asked.

“Where are we going?” Stephanie asked as Kane drove her down the road in his truck. She was blindfolded, so she was completely lost as to what was going on. “It’s a surprise” Kane replied as he smiled over at her. “Is this the kinky part of the surprise?” she asked playfully as she wiggled her eyebrows under the blindfold. Kane laughed and shook his head.

“No, now shush or I’ll give your lips something to keep them busy” Kane threatened playfully before gently pulling her over to him and kissing her lips softly. “Mmmm, that’ll keep me distracted for a while” she said softly, smiling, as Kane continued to drive. After another ten minutes had passed, Stephanie finally felt the car stop then heard if turn off.

“We’re here” Kane declared before he climbed out of his truck, walked around, and opened up Stephanie’s door. “We’re where?” Stephanie exclaimed with a laugh as he helped her out of the truck. Kane then scooped her up in his arms and carried her up the drive way they were parked in. Once he set her down, she felt him untying the blindfold.

“Ready?” he asked. “Yes, very” she replied with a giggle. Kane pulled away the cloth and Stephanie opened her eyes to a beautiful sight. Her and Kane were standing in the middle of the front yard of a beautiful two story ranch house with a wrap around porch. The land behind it, including the front yard seemed to add up to over 100 acres of land, including a quaint little dirty road that lead into the woods. The front porch had a porch swing as well as beautiful chairs and two small oak wood tables.

“Oh my god...it’s absolutely beautiful” Stephanie whispered. Kane smiled down at her and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. “It’s my new home” Kane whispered in her ear. Stephanie gasped and immediately turned around in his arms. “Really?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she wrapped her arms around Kane’s neck. He smiled and nodded.

“Really, it’s all mine...but...it’s also yours” Kane said softly as he stroked her hair with his right hand. “What do you mean?” she asked, a confused expression adorning her face. Kane smiled as he released her, slid something from his pocket, and slowly lowered himself to one knee on the grass. Stephanie’s heart beat immediately quickened at Kane’s action, her mind running wild at the thought of what was to come next.

“Stephanie...I love you, and I know you love me, so why should we bother waiting when you never know what the next day could bring our way. Stephanie...will you give me the honor of being my wife?” Kane asked, his beautiful onyx eyes sparkling up at her with such love and affection as well as hope. Stephanie felt tears brimming her eyes as she looked down at Kane.

“Sweetheart...I love you too” Stephanie said softly as she held Kane’s free hand in both of hers, “yes Kane, yes I’ll marry you.” Kane opened the small velvet box he held and slid the beautiful teardrop shaped diamond ring on her finger. Kane quickly stood and scooped Stephanie up in his arms and twirled her around as she laughed.

“I love you so much Stephanie, I swear, I’m gonna treat you like the princess you are” Kane declared as he held her tightly in his arms. “I know you will” Stephanie whispered as she buried her head against his shoulder, “I know you will.”

Chapter 21

Glenn smiled as he got dressed in his bedroom. The carnival was that day and him and Stephanie would be leaving at exactly four o’clock so they could walk around and see things during the day then also get time at night to be there with all the bright lights of the rides and such all around them. This was the one thing every year that Glenn knew he could look forward to without any possibility of disappointment. Once he was dressed, he grabbed his phone and dialed Stephanie’s number.

“Hello?” Stephanie answered, balancing the phone on her shoulder as she pulled her jeans on. “Hey beautiful, I just wanted to make sure you were up. Do you want me to pick you up at 4 or do you want to drive to my house then we’ll leave from there” Glenn asked as he headed down the stairs and into his kitchen. “How about I just meet you there honey so then when we leave we can just drive to your house but I’ll still have my car” Stephanie suggested.

“Okay that sounds just fine” Glenn said as he started making breakfast for himself. Stephanie headed down to Kane’s kitchen in his new ranch house and smiled when she saw Kane making breakfast. She crept back up the stairs and lowered her voice. “I’m going to go have some breakfast then write until it’s time to leave, so I’ll meet you at the carnival’s front gates” Stephanie stated.

“Okay Steph, see ya then” Glenn replied. They exchanged goodbyes before they hung up. Stephanie tossed the cordless phone onto the bed in Kane’s bedroom then hurried back down the stairs and into the kitchen in her white tank top and jeans. “You look sexy when you cook” Stephanie said with a giggle as she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around Kane’s waist. He chuckled and stepped away from the stove then turned around and placed a soft kiss on Stephanie’s lips.

“You look incredible” Kane murmured in her ear before he ran soft kisses down her neck. “I’m only in jeans and a tank top” Stephanie replied softy, her eyes fluttering closed as she lost herself in the feel of Kane’s lips. He chuckled as his hands ran down her back then over her backside, giving it a playful squeeze.

“You could wear a paper bag and I would still take you to a five star restaurant” he stated with a smile before placing a kiss on her lips. Stephanie giggled and shook her head after accepting the kiss. “Your too much sweetheart” she said softly as she ran her tiny hands down his chest. “I’ll take care of you later, but right now, time to eat. I’ve gotta fatten you up” Kane said as he grabbed two plates and loaded the food on them.

“Oh yeah, let’s fatten me up, I think I’m fat enough thank you very much” she stated, laughing softly. Kane pulled out her chair for her and they sat down and had a very peaceful meal together. “This was absolutely wonderful honey” Stephanie said as she pushed her empty plate away and leaned back in her chair. Kane smiled, his eyes scanning over her.

“I’m glad you liked it” he replied quietly. Stephanie carried her plate to the dishwasher and loaded it then started biting her bottom lip nervously as she turned to him. She had to tell him that she was spending the day with Glenn, but she was worried that Kane would be upset with her or want to go pound Glenn as he seems to always want to do. “Kane, I need to tell you something” she said as she sat back down in her seat.

“Go on” Kane said, a confused expression adorning his face. “Today is the town’s annual Carnival...and every year, Glenn and I go. I wanted to tell you so you know where I am and you don’t worry, and I also wanted to tell you because I felt I should reassure you that everything will be fine. Glenn is my best friend and you know that you are my fiancee and I love you” Stephanie explained as she reached across the table to rub Kane’s arm gently. If looks could kill, Stephanie would be mutilated from the look Kane was giving her.

“Your going to the carnival with Glenn?” Kane asked, as if to clarify that fact in his own mind. “Yes” Stephanie said simply. Kane pulled his arm away from her touch, stood up, and walked behind her chair to loom over her. “And why would you want to go to the Carnival with THAT?” Kane asked, his voice a deep baritone growl.

“Because he’s my best friend” Stephanie retorted before pushing her chair back and attempting to stand up. “Sit down” Kane growled, his large hand resting on her shoulder. Stephanie immediately sat back down, her body beginning to quiver as her nervous state grew.

“Now, sweetheart, I had some great plans for us today. Why didn’t you tell me about this days ago?” he asked, his hands tightening on her shoulders as he leaned down to speak in a low tone in her ear. “I...I didn’t think you would care. Kane I do NOT need your permission to go out with my friends” Stephanie stated calmly. Kane sighed and nodded in agreement.

“You’re right, you don’t need my permission, you don’t need ANYONE’S permission. But it makes me a bit confused as to why you want to spend all day and all night out at a carnival with my brother...when your engaged to me” Kane asked, his hands releasing Stephanie’s shoulders and his face taking on a look of hurt. Stephanie sighed softly and tilted her head back, looking up into his onyx eyes.

“Kane, you know I love you, and you know I would never betray you with your brother. I’m not that kind of girl. This is just something that Glenn and I do every year, and we love to have fun. We are no more than friends, Kane” Stephanie assured him. Kane shook his head as he pulled out a chair and sat down beside her.

“Stephanie, I trust you, more than anyone, but I do NOT trust Glenn...” Kane said, such sincerity in his eyes. Stephanie sighed, smiling softly as she stood up and moved to sit in Kane’s lap. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to him as she kissed his forehead softly.

“Sweetheart, you have nothing to worry about” Stephanie reassured him. Kane nodded. “I agree, I have nothing to worry about because you’re not going to go, right?” Kane asked, a serious expression on his face. Stephanie raised her eyebrows at his words. “And why would I not go?” she asked. Kane pulled Stephanie up to her feet before standing as well and pulling her against his chest.

“Princess...I don’t need to get a phone call that my brother has raped my fiancee at a carnival, so you’ll stay with me today and we’ll go through with my plans, okay?” Kane asked. She never got a chance to speak before he kissed her lips, turned her around and ushered her up the stair then into their bedroom.

“Now...let’s see if I can make you forget about my brother, and keep your mind on the man you love, my princess” Kane stated slyly before gently pushing her down onto the bed.


Glenn paced back and forth in front of the carnival gates. He called Stephanie a few times on her cell phone but it continually went straight to voice mail. “She never has her phone off” he muttered to himself as he looked around.

Stephanie closed her eyes as Kane began touching her. She felt rotten. She wanted to get up and go to Glenn and go spend the day with him as was planned but she was honestly afraid of Kane at this moment. He had never reacted with such a temper before and it concerned Stephanie.

She was afraid that this Kane she had seen today was the real Kane, but no, not her sweet Kane. There was no way such an angel like him to truly have such a horrendous attitude. Kane was simply stressed out from work and was still paranoid that Glenn would try something even though Glenn would be the last person in the world to hurt Stephanie. She whimpered softly as Kane started entering her a bit roughly, but she enjoyed the rush.

‘I have to get a hold of Glenn somehow’ she thought as before Kane started thrusting into her, making her lose all rationally thought and sense of reality.

Glenn had his elbows resting on his knees, his head hanging low as he continued to glance at his watch. Stephanie said she would be there at four, it was now six o’clock and there was still no sign of her. He sighed and tried her cell phone once again but all he received was her voice mail once again.

Stephanie curled up beside Kane hours later, staring at the lamp on the night stand. ‘How could I do this to him? I can’t let Kane intimidate me He had just had a rough day is all...he is not really like that and everything will be fine. I’ll try to explain everything to Glenn and hopefully he’ll understand...I pray...’ Stephanie thought just as Kane tightened his hold on her.

“I love you, Steph” Kane murmured as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. “I love you too sweetheart” Stephanie whispered before kissing his forehead softly. She felt Kane drift off to sleep beside her, his breathing becoming even. “I’m sorry Glenn...” she whispered as she felt tears sting her eyes. She felt so horrible that she let Kane intimidate her and guilt her into staying home as well as trying to use her body and hormones against her.

“No more” she whispered almost silently to herself. She made a vow to herself at that very moment that she would never let Kane trick her like that again for as long as she lived.


Glenn sat in front of the carnival gates, feeling as though he was the most gullible human being in the world.

“She’s not coming” he muttered to himself, feeling his heart and hopes crash to the ground like a bird shot down from the sky. Glenn planned on marching his way right up to Stephanie’s front door and banging on it, hopefully interrupting her and his pathetic excuse of a brother. ‘How could she do this to me? She was the one that promised we would get back to the way we used to be...and I was stupid enough to believe her...what’s gotten into her?’ Glenn thought to himself as he walked away from the carnival and got back into his car.


Stephanie sat curled on the couch in the living room, watching the clock tick. It was a little past eleven and no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t fall asleep. She wanted to call Glenn, but she didn’t have the heart to wake him or admit to him the reason she was not able to show up at the carnival.

‘How could I do this to him?’ she thought to herself as she felt tears stinging her eyes. Stephanie jumped at the sudden knocking that sounded on the front door. She pulled her robe tighter around her as she stood and headed to the door. She looked through the peep hole before pulling it open.

“Glenn please, let me explain...” Stephanie began, her voice quiet. Glenn ignored her and shoved past her to walk through the front door. “Let you explain? Okay, explain why you left me there at the carnival to sit by myself at the gate while you laid on your back letting my brother fuck your brains out! That’s the only thing I can imagine you would do that’s better than being with me, and that’s fuck my brother. So tell me Stephanie, why didn’t you show up? Why didn’t you even have the decency to call me and let me know if you were even alive!?” Glenn exclaimed as he stood before Stephanie, staring her down. Stephanie’s jaw was hanging open at Glenn’s words. She couldn’t believe that he actually thought that she left him there purposely.

“How DARE you come in here and accuse me of such crap!” she retorted, her feelings honestly hurt from his words, “why would you think I would do that to you Glenn?”. He shook his head as he turned his back to her.

“Stephanie, you’ve changed ever since you’ve been dating my brother. You’ve barely had time to call me to even say talk to me for two seconds, let alone spend a simple day with me. You’ve been too busy with Kane, making the BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE!” Glenn almost shouted.

“This is my life Glenn! Not yours! I’ve been trying so hard to be with you and Kane equally but you don’t even give me credit for trying! At least I try and don’t just sit around waiting for you to call like you wait for me! You’re my best friend, or at least I thought you were until you barged in here making rude accusations when you don’t even know the real story, but forget it, you can think what you want, go ahead, sit around and hate me because you think I had sex with my fiancee all night while I you sat at the carnival waiting for me” Stephanie exploded, not able to take his accusing and hurtful words anymore.

The thought of Glenn sitting there alone, waiting and waiting for her when she was never showing up, pained her greatly. She knew she would never leave him like that, but apparently Glenn believed she would.

“You could’ve called Stephanie instead of just leaving me there to wait. Why weren’t you there Stephanie, huh? If not to be with Kane then what?” Glenn asked, moving closer to her and staring down at her. Stephanie stepped back and turned her back to him. “Go away...I don’t owe you any explanations...” Stephanie whispered as she desperately tried to hold back her tears. Glenn sighed heavily and growled as he stormed to the front door.

“Fine, go back up stairs and fuck your fiancee. He’ll keep you happy, you might want to call Jaslyn and let her know you’ll be standing her up for the next few weeks of your visiting days. She’ll want a phone call” Glenn stated before storming out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

Stephanie finally let the tears flow that she had been holding back. She wanted to run out there and beat the living hell out of Glenn for the things he’d just said. She knew she didn’t mean to do what she had done, considering she was too nervous around Kane to go despite his objections. Stephanie walked into the living room and fell down onto the couch and let the sobs rack through her body.

How could her and Glenn’s friendship become so destroyed when she found such happiness with Kane?

She didn’t know what she was supposed to do, either apologize to Glenn and break everything off with Kane, or watch as her and Glenn’s friendship crumbled like an Egyptian pyramid without a proper base and find the love and affection she needed with her fiancee Kane. It was official...Stephanie needed a professional decision maker.

Chapter 22

The next day, Stephanie immediately went to the one person she needed to talk to and felt she needed to explain herself to. “Jaslyn, I need to talk to you about something” Stephanie said the minute Jaslyn opened her door. Her best friend lead her inside and over to the couch with a sigh. “I know about what happened” Jaslyn stated as she sat down beside Stephanie, “now tell me what really happened that night. Why didn’t you go to the carnival with Glenn?”. Stephanie took a deep breath and told her everything that had transpired that entire day between her and Kane, not leaving out a single detail.

“I was nervous...I didn’t want to start a fight or confrontation. But I know I should have. I can’t walk around letting him think he can just use my body against me and tell me who I can hang out with, when I can hang out with them” Stephanie stated. Jaslyn nodded in agreement. “You need to tell Glenn the truth and apologize” Jaslyn stated as she rested her hand on her best friends knee.

“I would...but I can’t. I know he was worried about me and I wanted to call him so bad, but when he got to the house, I said some things I shouldn’t have, and I hope he didn’t mean some of the things he said. He won’t want to listen to me” she replied. “He’ll listen, and if he doesn’t then you have to make him listen” Jaslyn stated firmly. Stephanie knew she was right, she had to talk to Glenn and straighten everything out, no matter how much it hurt her own stubborn pride.

“I will...I promise” Stephanie stated. “Good, not the only thing left is for me to have a talk with that fiancee of yours” she said as she stood from the couch. “Wait, what? Why?” Stephanie exclaimed as she hopped up to her feet and hurried over to her. Jaslyn tossed her hair over her shoulder and held her coat firmly in her hands.

“Steph, if he thinks he’s going to interfere with your friendship with Glenn, well that’s his brother so he expects to, but if he even THINKS he’s going to mess up OUR friendship, then he has another thing coming and I’m about to make myself perfectly clear” Jaslyn stated, “you stay here and take a shower then lay down and write more of your story. I shouldn’t be long”.

Stephanie watched as her best friend left the house, leaving her standing there in complete shock. Stephanie turned away from the door as realization sank down on her. “I should’ve gone with her” she muttered to herself as she headed up the stairs to Jaslyn’s bedroom.


Jaslyn drove straight to Kane’s motorcycle shop and parked right beside his working area. She stepped out of the car in her tight blue jeans and black long sleeved tight shirt then walked right up to Kane while he fixed a motorcycle.

“Kane, we need to talk” she blurted out once she stopped, standing a few feet away from him. Kane’s head snapped up at the sound of her voice and quirked an eyebrow at the sight of her. “Jaslyn? What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Kane asked as he stood and wiped his hands off on a rag. Jaslyn looked up at him and sighed.

“What was up with yesterday? Stephanie was supposed to go to the carnival with Glenn, not stay home with you when she can do that every day of her life” Jaslyn stated, staring up at him. Kane sighed and shook his head. “She could’ve gone if she really wanted to, I just simply explained to her that Glenn is dangerous and could try something on her at any minute” Kane explained, trying to maintain an aura of innocence.

“Kane, you and I both know that that’s all complete bull. She told me everything...the sex didn’t sound very consensual” Jaslyn stated, glaring a hole through him. Kane’s eyes darkened at her words.

“I didn’t force my wife to do anything Jaslyn. I don’t touch Stephanie that way. She’s just a little upset. She could’ve gone with Glenn and she doesn’t have to have sex with me when she doesn’t want to, not that that’s very often” he stated before winking at her, a smirk on his face.

Jaslyn wanted to smack the smirk right off his face but resisted for Stephanie’s sake. Jaslyn stepped up to Kane, tilting her head back to look up into his eyes. “I’m warning you, if you think that you’re going to mess up mine and Stephanie’s friendship for your own needs, then you have another thing coming. Stephanie and I mean the world to each other and we are not going to stop hanging out just because you want her all to yourself and if I ever hear about you touching her again with any amount of force, I will make you pay dearly” Jaslyn threatened, “do I make myself clear?”.

Kane lowered his head, his nose almost touching her’s.“crystal” he stated, his voice deep, almost threatening. Jaslyn turned and walked back to her car then quickly got in and drove away. “Feisty I see” Kane muttered to himself before turning back to work on the motorcycle.

Jaslyn’s heart was pounding furiously in her chest with both anger and fear as she drove. She didn’t blame Stephanie for feeling intimidated when Kane was making her stay home. She took deep breaths to calm her jittery nerves. “He better listen to me” she whispered as her hands relaxed on the wheel.

“She needs to get away from him” Jaslyn said softly as she pulled into her drive way a few minutes later. Jaslyn sat in her car for a moment, composing herself and planning now to tell Stephanie what she had said and done.

Once she finally got out she made her way up her porch, but never got a chance to open the front door, because Stephanie swung it open and started heaping questions on her.

“Whoa whoa whoa” Jaslyn said as she ushered her best friend back in the house. Stephanie was dying to know what happened. “Did everything go fine?” she asked as she sat down on the couch beside Jaslyn. Stephanie’s body quivered for a moment before she held it under control. Jaslyn began, telling her everything that had transpired during her confrontation with Kane.

“I may have threatened him a tad...but it was to make my point” Jaslyn stated, defending herself even though she would never have to explain herself to Stephanie. No matter what Jaslyn did, Stephanie never argued with her decisions. She may ask questions, but she knew that her best friend would never steer her wrong.

“What did he say? Did he apologize?” Stephanie asked, eager to hear of Kane’s apology. “No...he didn’t. He said some bull about how he didn’t make you stay home and you could’ve left any time you wanted. He also said that the sex was consensual and not the least bit forced on you” Jaslyn stated, her blood boiling at the thought of Kane ever touching her when she didn’t want it. Stephanie’s jaw was almost on the floor as she listened to her best friends words.

“How could he lie like that? There was no way I could have just left...who knows what he would’ve done. He could’ve threatened to break off the engagement” Stephanie said softly, her head lowered. ‘That would’ve been a blessing’ Jaslyn thought to herself. She sighed and tucked Stephanie’s hair behind her ear.

“Honey...you need to think about this marriage before you rush into it. I just don’t want you to be stuck in a marriage that you can’t get out of honey” Jaslyn said softly. Stephanie looked into her amber eyes and nodded.

“I love him...he means the world to me...but I’ll talk to him...I promise that him and I will sit down and I’ll talk to him...I promise that him and I’ll pour my heart out to him” Stephanie vowed. Jaslyn wanted to beg her to break off the engagement but she decided that having Stephanie bring up problems to Kane was a small start. “okay sweetie” Jaslyn said with a gentle smile, “that’s a good start.”

The next day, Kane and Stephanie were planning to have their little talk but every time Kane had a moment to talk to he, he dodged the subject of the engagement. She knew he was afraid that she was going to tell him it was off, but she never got a chance to put his anxiety to rest.

“Kane, sweetheart, me and you need to talk” Stephanie stated, a pleading look in her eyes as she stood staring at him in their bedroom. Kane turned to her and smiled before kissing her lips softly.

“Tonight when we’re in bed princess, I promise” Kane said as he wrapped his arms around her, “but now we’re going to the bar to get something to eat and relax.” Stephanie sighed softly and nodded knowing that when they were sleeping in their bed, he wouldn’t be able to run.

“Okay...do you promise promise?” she asked, a shy smile playing on her lips. He chuckled softly and kissed the tip of her nose before pressing his forehead against her’s. “I promise promise” Kane whispered as he gently rocked her from side to side. She smiled and kissed his lips softly before letting him lead her out to his truck.

Stephanie cuddled against her fiancee as they waited for their food to arrive. “I love you” Kane said softly in her ear before kissing her temple. She giggled and slid over to straddle his lap.

“I love you too sweetheart” she said sweetly. Kane smiled as he slid his hands up her arms then cupped the back of her neck and pulled her down into a fiery and delicious kiss that sent waves of excitement coursing through her body.

Their tongues tangled gently but with strength as their desires began to mount. Kane gripped her hair in his firsts, holding her to him and delving his tongue deeper into the cresses of her mouth. Stephanie whimpered into him as he intensified the kiss. Kane slowly broke the kiss, both of their chests rising and falling from heavy breathing.

“Our foods here, baby” Kane whispered before running the tip of his tongue over her lips. Stephanie’s mind was completely fogged over with desire and need that she almost missed what he said.

Kane tried to hold his control as he stared at his fiancee. Her eyes were such a deep green from the passion he evoked in her and she was looking at him with such appreciation that he wanted to give her exactly what he knew she appreciated. He wanted to take, her but he knew that now just wasn’t the time. He carefully set Stephanie beside him and slid her food in front of her.

“thank you” Stephanie said softly, savoring Kane’s kindness as he kissed her forehead gently. “Your welcome”, princess” he replied before digging into his food. Stephanie started into her food as well, however her thoughts were still lingering in her mind from earlier. She didn’t want to talk to Kane about the engagement in fear he would suddenly change his mind and leave her.

‘Don’t be stupid’ she scolded herself, ‘he loves you and he would not abandon you.’ They enjoyed the music and each others company as they ate, but Stephanie could see that Kane was apprehensive about the ‘talk’ she wanted to have with him. She wanted to tell him that everything was alright and all she wanted was to soothe away her own worries, but she knew that talking about their engagement problems at his bar was not the right time.

“I’m gonna get another drink, need a refill?” she asked as she extended her hand for his beer mug. He smiled and handed it to her before thanking her. She smiled in return, her heart melting at the sight of his angelic smile. “I love that man” she whispered to herself as she walked up to the bar. She asked the bartender for refills then stood by and waited patiently.

“Hey baby” Stephanie heard from behind her. She turned to face a man, whom she didn’t know. He was taller than her but not by much. He wore a Hollister shirt and blue jeans as well as a cocky grin. His sandy colored hair was pushed back from his face, only a few strands arched over his left eye.

“May I help you?” she asked, her eyebrow quirked. He took a step closer to her an leaned forward. “You can help me a great deal, honey” he stated smugly. Stephanie could smell the stench of an unattractive beer on his breath but not enough to proclaim he was drunk.

“Why don’t you go hit on someone else” Stephanie suggested as she turned her back to him. The man slid around to be in front of her and smirked down at her. “It’s okay to want me baby, most women do” he stated. Stephanie rolled her eyes and replied “I can tell that you haven’t had enough to drink to be drunk, so you’re just normally a jerk. Why don’t you just save yourself the humiliation and get lost?”.

He suddenly pulled her against him before shoving her onto the bar, her back bent over it. “What the hell did you say to me?” he growled as he held her there. Stephanie struggled against him powerfully but to no avail considering how much strength he was using. “Get the hell off me!” she hissed, the pain in her back increasing from the edge of the bar digging into her spine.

The next thing she knew, she was on the floor on her backside, looking up at Kane who was holding the guy two feet off the ground by his throat with one hand. “If you ever touch my fiancee again, I will personally rid you of your hands and eyes” Kane growled as he tightened his grip on the mans throat. He then toss him down onto the floor towards the door.

“Get out” he stated in a deadly tone. The man coughed as he scurried to his feet then out the door. Kane immediately turned to Stephanie and gently scooped her in his arms. “I don’t want him in here ever again” Kane told the bouncer who was standing by.

“Are you alright, princess?” he asked, his eyes flooded with concern. “Yeah, I’m okay, my back just hurts from being bent over the bar” she replied softly. He kissed her forehead gently as he carried her out of the bar then settled her into the passenger seat of his truck.

“We’re going home so you can rest, and if you’re still hungry then I’ll make you a little something” Kane offered as he buckled her in. “Thank you” she whispered as she looked into his eyes. She knew that Kane could have a temper, but she loved him, God how she loved him.

She treasured a man that could protect her and keep any harm away from her and after what he had just done for her, most of her doubts about their marriage disappeared from her heart and mind. Kane walked around the truck, got in the drivers seat, then took off for home. He slid his right hand into one of Stephanie’s and rubbed it with his thumb, such an innocent caress that it almost brought tears to Stephanie’s eyes.

“I love you” she whispered. “I love you too princess...more than anything in this world. I hope I didn’t scare you. I just...something exploded inside of me when I saw that ass hole touching you and then hurting you. I should’ve been paying attention and he would have never gone near you, never said a word to you” Kane stated, feeling a pang of guilt inside for not protecting her sooner. “No worries, I’m fine, I just need to soak my back so it doesn’t get stiff” Stephanie replied as she rubbed his hand gently with both of her’s.

Once they arrived home, Kane carried her up to their bedroom then into their bathroom where he started the tub for her. “How about a bubble bath while I make you something to eat” Kane offered as he set her down on the counter. Stephanie smiled and watched him with such love and respect in her eyes.

“Sounds wonderful” she said softly as she watched him turn the water on and plug the tub. Kane moved around the bathroom to set a warm towel beside the tub, within her reach for when she chose to get out, and poured in lilac scented bubbles. Stephanie tilted her head back to enjoy the scent as it wafted through the room.

“What are you doing?” she asked with a soft giggle when Kane began removing her shoes then socks. “Undressing my girl” he replied, an innocent smile on his lips. Stephanie bit her bottom lip with a smile as she let him remove her clothing.

Once she was down to her bra and panties, he gently pulled her down off the counter so she could stand. He unsnapped her bra and slid it from her shoulders, placing soft kisses on her bare shoulders before lowering himself to his knees and slowly pulling her panties down her long smooth legs.

He tossed them aside then stood, running his hands up her legs, over her waist, then up her arms. Stephanie tilted her head back and let her eyes flutter closed, enjoying the feel of Kane’s hands moving over her body.

“Smooth, soft skin” Kane murmured before growling softly. The middle of her back was marred with a dark horizontal bruise. “I’ll kill him” he whispered, his tone lethal. Stephanie turned to rest her hands on his chest.

“It’s alright Kane, I’m fine. No worries, remember?” she requested softly. Kane sighed heavily then nodded at her words. “Fine...I won’t kill him” he muttered. She smiled softly and thanked him. Kane then scooped her up and placed her in the hot water and bubbles. He turned off the running water then leaned down and kissed her lips softly. “I’ll go make you something” he said softly before leaving the room and gently closing the door behind him. Stephanie sighed with relief as the hot water began to ease the pain in her back.

“Perfect” she whispered, the lilac scent and warmth surround her mind as well as her body. She finally admitted to herself that she had been afraid when that stupid jerk had put his hands on her then slammed her on the bar, but felt so proud as the thought of Kane holding him by his throat with one hand.

“My hero” she whispered before giggling. After spending a good amount of time soaking her sore body, she dried off and dressed in a pair of pajama pants and a tank top and was about to go down to the kitchen when Kane entered their bedroom. He had insisted she get into bed then brought her food up to her. He had made her some soup and a small salad, not wanting to make too much since she had eaten most of her food at the bar.

“Thank you, Kane” she said, meaning exactly what she said wholeheartedly. While she ate, Kane had himself a shower then curled up into bed with her. Her dishes were on the floor beside the bed. “We’ll bring those down in the morning” Kane stated as he gently pulled her into his arms, “so...what was it you wanted to talk about?”. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she looked up into his eyes.

“I...I was just worried about the other day. You seemed a bit upset at the thought of me with Glenn and you...scared me...a little” Stephanie admitted. Kane sighed softly as he looked down into her eyes.

“Stephanie, I never meant to scare you. You shocked me, I didn’t expect you to tell me that you were about to go spend the day with Glenn. I don’t trust my brother and I never will, and most likely he doesn’t trust me either” Kane said, “I should have let you go with Glenn, Stephanie...I’m sorry”. Stephanie saw such regret in his eyes and she knew he was telling her the truth.

“Would you have let me go if you could do it over again?” she asked softly. “Yes, of course I’d let you go” he replied before kissing her lips softly. Stephanie then snuggled her head against his chest and sighed.

“I love you Kane, and I want to marry you. I just want to make sure that the way you acted was a fleeting moment of rash decisions” she stated softly before letting out a small yawn. “I love you too princess, and I promise that I didn’t mean to act out with such a temper. It won’t happen again” Kane promised before tucking her head under his chin, “sleep now angel, rest.”

Stephanie cuddled up to him and let out a little yawn before closing her eyes and letting the tiredness of her body take over her. Kane watched her while she slept and he knew that she believed him.

He had never meant to use his intimidation tactics to keep her home, but it had been necessary, and if need be when it came to keeping his fiancee away from his brother, he would use those tactics again if necessary.

Chapter 23

“Glenn...it’s me again. Listen, I know that I said some things I shouldn’t have and I hope some things you said were out of anger, but please we need to talk. Glenn, you’re my best friend and you mean the world to me...the thought of you thinking I purposely put such a sad look in your eyes hurts me. Please call me, Glenn...please. Bye sweetie.”

Stephanie sighed as she hung up the phone for what seemed like the millionth time. She had already left him at least five message on his answering machine, even though she knew he was at the gym. Stephanie flopped down onto the couch and sighed heavily as her thoughts ventured to the previous night.

The thought of Kane coming to her rescue was enough to put a smile on her face and warmth in her heart. She now recognized Kane’s temper but it only seemed to surface when she was in danger or he thought he might lose her, but he never would. She slid off the couch and made her way up the stairs towards the bedroom.

She wanted to work more on her story “Faithfully” while she was in the mood. Before she entered her and Kane’s bedroom, the front door burst open and slammed against the wall hard enough to dent the wall with the door knob. Kane stormed into the house, his face masked with complete fury.

“Kane? What happened?” Stephanie asked with alarm as she moved to the top of the stairs. “That bastard, my entire shop...VANDALIZED!” he shouted before stomping up the stairs. Stephanie’s jaw dropped at his words as she let him pass by her into their bedroom. “Who?” she demanded, her own anger rising. Who would vandalize Kane’s motorcycle shop? She knew it wasn’t Glenn because that just wasn’t his way of dealing with anger. “That bastard from the bar last night!” Kane shouted as he paced around their bedroom like a caged animal.

“What?” Stephanie whispered. She couldn’t believe that that creep had the audacity to even step foot on Kane’s property, let alone destroy everything on it. “I’m gonna kill that bastard” Kane growled. “Sweetheart, calm down, we’ll call the police and report this” Stephanie said softly as she approached him.

“Then what? Sit around and wait while they take their time to end up doing nothing?” Kane retorted, the anger very evident in his voice. Stephanie sighed and shook her head. “Kane, you can’t go off and beat the hell out of him. Do you think being thrown in jail will help you get this guy?” she asked as she rested her hand on his bicep. Kane pulled away from her.

“Don’t...just go write or something” Kane growled, his face flushed with the amount of his anger. He couldn’t believe that such a pathetic excuse for a man ruined his pride and joy, his favorite business. Stephanie’s face was masked with hurt. “Kane, I want to help” she replied. “Don’t! Just go write your stupid novels and leave me alone for now” he shouted, turning to face her. Stephanie’s hurt melted away and was replaced by her own anger.

“My novels are not stupid, Kane! How dare you? I understand your upset, but that doesn’t mean you can be an ass to me!” she shouted at him. Kane glared a hole through her. “My shop is more important than what I think about your writing right now, Stephanie” Kane replied, his voice loud but not shouting as much. “Your shop can be fixed, Kane. So just calm down” Stephanie stated, her hands on her hips.

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” Kane shouted at her as he closed the distance between them and grabbed her arm, leading her towards the door, “go down stairs!”. Stephanie yanked her arm out of his grasp before he even took two steps. “No! This is my room too, so you can stop acting like a big, dumb, ogre and let me get back to my writing while you take care of your own business” Stephanie stated heatedly.

“Go!” Kane shouted, giving her shoulder a good shove. Stephanie stumbled back but came full throttle back at him and shoved him as hard as she could. “Don’t PUSH me!” she almost screamed. Kane turned his back to her, trying to calm his anger that kept rising at Stephanie’s disobedience.

“Stephanie, your pissing me off” Kane growled, his tone deep. “I don’t care, you can go down stairs and call the police on that guys ass, I came up here to write my story, and damn it that’s what I’m going to do. Go cry about your shop down stairs” Stephanie retorted as she walked over to the bed where her papers were scattered haphazardly over the sheets.

Kane roared as he turned to the bed and angrily swatted away all her papers, making them flutter to the floor all around the room. “I said GET OUT!” Kane bellowed as he turned to her with pure fire in his eyes. Stephanie’s jaw was hanging open as she saw her life’s work being thrown around like they were nothing but old school papers that a teenager no longer needed or wanted.

“You ASSHOLE!” she screamed before walking up to him and pushing him as hard as she could against his chest. Kane almost stumbled back as his rage completely consumed him. Before he could stop himself, his right arm pulled back then swung forward with authority, backhanding Stephanie across her face. Stephanie spun to her left and sprawled onto the floor from the force of the blow.

Kane stared down at her, panting heavily as his anger slowly began to fade. Kane’s eyes widened when he finally realized what he had done. Stephanie clutched her cheek in her hand as tears flowed my from eyes, her right eye only half open. She scrambled to her feet and backed away as fast as her legs and mind would let her. “Go away...” she cried softly, “GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!”. Kane held out his hands as his mind desperately tried to form something to say.

“Stephanie...I...” he tried to say. “NO! GET OUT! GO AWAY!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. “Stephanie please...God I’m so sorry...I never meant to-” Kane started to say. “SHUT UP! How could you!?” she cried. She pointed towards the door as her chest heaved up and down from her sporadic breathing. She cried out when Kane didn’t leave. She leaped to her feet and dashed into their bedroom bathroom and slammed the door as hard as she could behind her, then locked it securely. Kane sighed heavily as he stared at the bathroom door. ‘How could you do this...’ Kane thought to himself as he slowly walked out of their bedroom and closed the door behind him.

Stephanie fell onto the bathroom floor and let out a blood curdling scream as the pain of what Kane had just done to her flooded her body and mind. She curled up into a tight ball on the floor, letting her tears slide off her face and form a steadily growing puddle.

“Why...why, God why!” she cried out as her face began to throb from the force of Kane’s backhand. The man she loved, the man of her dreams, just struck her because he was angry. Out of everything he could have done, he hit her.

After another ten minutes of crying her heart out and hearing her own screams echo off the bathroom wall, she made her way to her feet on shaky legs and gripped the sink counter tightly, in fear her legs would give out. Her reflection petrified her. The right side of her face was marred with a dark bruise and her right eye was slightly swelled shut. She began sobbing as she lowered her head in shame.

‘How could you let this happen?’ she thought to herself, hating herself for ever letting Kane think he could hit her. “Maybe I shouldn’t have made him angry...” she whispered as more tears slid down her face. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was her fault that Kane had his shop vandalized which caused him to become angry. Then her attitude towards him only made his anger grow. She knew she couldn’t blame herself for this, but she couldn’t help but try her best to justify Kane’s actions. She knew it was pathetic to even THINK of trying to deceive herself of something of such a magnitude, but she just couldn’t help it.

She whimpered softly to herself as she made her way out of the bathroom and back into her and Kane’s bedroom. She looked around at her story, the one she knew would be her best one yet, scattered all over the floor before hurling herself down onto the bed.

She curled up into a tight ball on her side bed, tears slowly trickling down her cheeks. Her finger tips brushed against the bruise on her cheek and winced when the pain intensified. Kane was the only man in her life that she loved unconditionally. She had always given everything to him, and what did she get in return? A sharp backhand to her face. The love Kane and herself felt for one another was a feeling she never thought she could ever feel, but now, it seemed as though everything she had given up and risked had been for nothing.

“How could he do this?” Stephanie whispered before letting the painful memories override her heart and mind. The tears began flowing like a river of sorrow and stinging pain. She knew she shouldn’t let this happen, shouldn’t let what Kane had done make her so upset. But she couldn’t help it. She loved Kane with every fiber of her being and she couldn’t bare the memory of him hitting her.

Kane stood outside his and Stephanie’s bedroom and pressed his ear to the door. He sighed heavily when he heard her crying. It tore at his heart that he caused her so much pain. He didn’t mean to, once again his anger overrode his sense of reality and common sense. He didn’t know if he could ever make up for what he had done or even fix Stephanie’s heart after he had just smashed it. “I’m sorry...” he whispered as he trailed his hands slowly down the door, “God, Stephanie I’m so sorry.”

Hours later, Stephanie cautiously made her way out of the bedroom before dashing down the stairs, through the living room, then out the front door, not wanting Kane to catch her. Stephanie panted with exertion as well as fear as she ran to her car then jumped in the drivers seat.

As she drove, tears streamed down her face, her heart clenching with the painful memories of Kane’s backhand. She hated him for what he did, but she knew she still loved him. Stephanie pulled into Jaslyn’s drive way before running as fast as she could into the house.

She felt terrible when she saw Jaslyn and David in a passionate, heated embrace on the couch in their living room. Her shattered even more in her chest at the sight of such love between them. She knew that her and Kane had such love but she couldn’t for the life of her figure out where things went wrong.

“Stephanie?” David said softly once his eyes opened. “Dear God!” Jaslyn whispered before leaping off the couch and runnin to her friend. “What happened honey? Tell me” Jaslyn urged as she took her sobbing best friend in her arms.

“I didn’t mean to, he was mad and I provoked him. Jas please...I’m sorry” Stephanie sobbed as she clung to her best friend. David immediately approached them at the sound of Stephanie’s desperate cries. “Kane” Jaslyn clarified for her husband when he had a confused look on his face. His expression immediately darkened when he understood that Kane was the reason Stephanie was in such a state. “What happened?” David demanded softly.

“He was upset...someone vandalized the motorcycle shop...we argued pretty badly, got in a shoving match...then...he hit me” Stephanie revealed, her entire body quivering. Both David and Jaslyn’s eyes burst to life with such anger at the thought of Kane striking her.

“That bastard...I’ll beat him within an inch of his life!” Jaslyn hissed dangerously. She then lowered her voice and tightened her hold on Stephanie, not wanting to make her even more distraught. “Get her upstairs to rest and put some ice on her face. I’m going to pay Kane a little visit” David stated as he stormed towards the door.

“No!” Stephanie shrieked, “please don’t’ hurt him. He was angry, he didn’t know what he was doing!”. David stared at her with such confusion that Jaslyn had to look away. It hut to her Stephanie trying to justify such a horrific act from Kane. “How can you say that Stephanie? The man you ‘love’ put that bruise on your face” David said as he moved back over to her and took her from Jaslyn’s arms. “Don’t hurt him...” Stephanie pleaded softly.

“I can’t promise that” David stated before kissing her forehead. He nudged her back to Jaslyn before kissing his wife with all the love in the world for her. “Talk to her baby, see what you can do” David urged, his eyes mirroring the desperation in her’s. Jaslyn nodded then kissed him once more before he left. Jaslyn planned on having a long talk with Stephanie.

“com on, let’s get you some ice for that eye” Jaslyn insisted. She helped her over to the couch and almost forced her to lay down before running into the kitchen to get the ice. She could hear her best friend crying softly in the living room and she was still begging David not to hurt Kane. Jaslyn thought that was unacceptable.

“Honey...” Jaslyn said softly as she returned then sat down and placed the wrapped up ice pack on Stephanie’s face, “how can you defend him? He hit you because he was angry, what makes you think he won’t do it again?”. Stephanie nibbled her bottom lip and tried to answer the question, but found she did not have an answer she knew Jaslyn was looking for.

“I don’t know...I love him Jas...I can’t just give up. We can work these problems out” Stephanie said softly, her eyes lowered. Jaslyn sighed heavily before standing off the couch and pacing. “Steph...I can’t think this anymore and not tell you...you can’t go back to him” she finally stated. Stephanie’s face was masked with pain and confusion from her words.

“What?” Stephanie whispered, holding the cold ice to her face. “I love you and you know that we are sisters in our eyes. I can’t let you marry a man who hits you. I will not stand by and watch you ruin your life! If he loved you, he wouldn’t have hit you and you know it! A man like that doesn’t deserve your love and loyalty, angelface. Please...” she begged as she moved to the side of the couch and kneeled on the floor beside her, “get out of this marriage while you still can!.” Stephanie stared down into her best friends eyes, disbelief flowing from her own.

“You want me to leave him?” she asked softly. “Yes” Jaslyn replied without hesitation. Stephanie slid off the couch and stood on shaky legs. “I can’t...” she whispered, “I love him...and he didn’t mean it. He was angry and didn’t know what he was doing” Stephanie started to say.

“No! Do not try to justify this nor can you blame yourself” Jaslyn stated, her voice rising with frustration, “Stephanie...you’re resigning yourself to this. You’re giving yourself a future that could end sooner than expected...if he ever got mad enough...please. Don’t do this”. Stephanie’s mind was overloading with everything her best friend was saying, the thought of what David was doing, and the thought of what Kane had done.

“I can’t handle all of this!” Stephanie cried out as she clutched her head tightly in her hands. Jaslyn sighed with regret as she approached her best friend. “I’m sorry all of this is being heaped on you...but everything I’ve said, had to be said” Jaslyn stated, her voice soft as she approached her.

Stephanie knew Jaslyn had every right to tell her how she felt and Stephanie always wanted her opinion on things, but she just couldn’t handle the contradiction of her love for Kane and everyone’s loathe of him. Stephanie’s shoulders shook slightly as she cried, her back still turned to her best friend.

She moved toward her but stopped when Stephanie dropped the ice pack and turned to dash towards the door. Stephanie, wait!” Jaslyn shouted desperately as she followed her. “I have to make sure he’s alright!” Stephanie shouted before jumping into her truck and taking off. Jaslyn grabbed her car keys as fast as she could then got into her won car and followed.

“You BASTARD!” David bellowed as he charged Kane. Kane averted the attack, not expecting this man to react like he was. Kane had met David not long after he had met Jaslyn. He was a very muscular individual, like himself, and was also successful with his career and a loving husband. David had Kane’s respect even though he needed to keep a tighter rein on his wife. She needed a good yank on her chain in Kane’s eyes.

“Dave, calm down and let me explain” Kane stated, holding his hands up in an innocent gesture. David glared deadly at him. “Let you explain? Let you explain why you slapped the hell out of your fiancee? The so called ‘love of your life’?” David shouted. Kane lowered h is head with shame at David’s words.

“I never meant to hurt her” Kane stated, his voice lowered. David approached him and stared into Kane’s black eyes, trying to find his sincerity. David then swung his arm forward and punched Kane in the face as hard as he could. Kane immediately clutched his face as a trickle of blood dripped from his nose. Kane, surprisingly, felt no anger.

“I deserved that” he stated as he looked at David, pinching the bridge of his nose to stop the bleeding.

“That’s nothing compared to what you really deserve. I should beat you within an inch of your life for ever laying a hand on Stephanie!” David threatened. Stephanie then busted through the front door as another car screeched to a stop in the driveway.

“STOP!” Stephanie shouted as she ran up to them and put herself between them. “What did you do?” she asked David, such desperation in her voice. “I went easy on him Stephanie” David stated, his eyes widened with shock, “why are you here?”. Jaslyn then hurled herself into the house before Stephanie could reply.

“I tried to stop her” Jaslyn said as she panted from her desperate attempt to catch her friend. “Stephanie...” Kane said softly, his deep voice so soothing. Stephanie turned and looked up into Kane’s eyes. She was quivering with nervousness but also had worry coursing through her eyes.

“Steph...princess, I’m so sorry. I know that I deserve you to throw your ring in my face and walk out...but I can only pray that you still love me and that you’ll let me make it up to you” he said softly as he reached out to run his hands down her arms, such sincerity in his eyes.

“I do love you Kane...and I can’t simply forgive you for what you’ve done. I don’t know how you’ll make up for this...but you better try” Stephanie whispered. Both Jaslyn and David were seething with furious anger as Kane and Stephanie embraced. “This can’t happen” David growled, ready to charge after Kane and continue the beating he had started.

“Wait” Jaslyn whispered harshly as she grabbed his arm, “don’t! I feel the same, but if you just charge after him and beat him, it will just drive Stephanie further away. We need to go home and think this through and call Glenn.” David growled as his hands clenched and unclenched.

“We can’t let him hurt her, he could kill her if we leave” David stated, looking intensely down into his wife’s pleading eyes. Jaslyn blinked, letting tears strickle down her cheeks.

“David, he might kill her if we don’t.” Jaslyn knew that the longer they stayed, the greater Kane’s anger would be later. She knew for a fact that Kane’s anger would soon surface and the last thing she wanted was for Stephanie to be in harms way. It was killing Jaslyn as she lead David out of the house, leaving her best friend with her monster of a fiancee.

Kane rocked Stephanie gently in his arms, desperately trying to take away the pain he had caused her emotionally as well as physically. “I didn’t want to hurt you sweetheart...I never want to hurt you” Kane whispered before gently lifting her into his arms. Stephanie simply nodded at his words as she snuggled her head against his shoulder. He carried her up the stairs then into their bedroom and set her down on the large bed.

“Wait right here” he commanded softly before hurrying back down the stairs. Kane securely locked the front door and set the alarm system then headed back up to his fiancee. “Would you ever hit me again?” Stephanie asked meekly the moment Kane re-entered their bedroom. Kane closed the door before walking over to her and gently pushing her to lay down.

“You’re my princess, Stephanie, and I’ll always take care of you” he purred before sliding his hands up under her shirt, massaging her waist. Stephanie opened her mouth to speak but Kane’s mouth prevented her words as it descended onto her’s. As Kane stripped her and himself of their clothing then joined their bodies, Stephanie’s nervousness grew.

“Kane, gently” Stephanie asked softly when Kane’s pace was a bit fast an rough. “Hush princess...it’s okay...I have something much better for you” Kane grunted and moaned in her ear. What he was doing to her body felt amazing, but it simply wasn’t how she wanted it. Kane gripped her hips tightly as he thrust into her with such strength. As Kane brought them to the heights of their passion, Stephanie realized something very important.

Kane never promised that he would never hit her again.

Chapter 24

Glenn sighed when there was a knock at his front door. He had gotten all of Stephanie’s messages, but had not decided when he would respond to her. The things she had said to him truly hurt him and he was not sure if she meant them or not. He stood and pulled the door open to see David and Jaslyn on his porch with both anger and worry etched on their faces. “What’s going on?” he asked as he stepped aside, allowing them to enter, which they did. “It’s Stephanie, Glenn...we need to get her away from Kane” Jaslyn stated firmly.

“Guys, I know that none of us trust him, but I’ve already tried...she won’t listen to me” Glenn said helplessly, his hands on his hips. “Damn it Glenn, listen to yourself! Stephanie needs us and you just gonna give up?” David almost shouted as his anger began to rise, “he hit her Glenn! Backhanded a bruise onto her face!”. Glenn whipped around to stare at David with fury boiling in his eyes.

“Kane hit Stephanie?” Glenn asked in a low dangerous voice. Jaslyn and David both nodded which sent Glenn into a rage. “God DAMN IT! I KNEW HE WOULD DO IT!” Glenn growled before kicking small table that was near by, shattering it into pieces. “Glenn, we have to do something about this but breaking things won’t help” Jaslyn stated as she moved over to rest her hand on Glenn’s large, pulsating bicep. Glenn turned around and gripped Jaslyn by her arms.

“Where is she? Why isn’t she safe...here!?”Glenn shouted. Jaslyn gritted her teeth against Glenn’s tight grip and stated, “Glenn listen, if we made her come with us then it would’ve been so much worse for her once Kane got her back.” “Glenn, you’re hurting her” David growled, barely containing his anger. Glenn immediately released his hold on her and gently pulled her into his arms.

“I’m sorry Jasy...I’m just...God we can’t let him hurt her” Glenn whispered. Jaslyn hugged him tightly and nodded at his words. “I know Glenn...we won’t. Granted, something night happen as we try to figure out what to do, but she’s strong...she’s just making a stupid decision. Kane’s anger hasn’t escalated to the point where he could do her too much damage, but emotional damage he definitely can do a lot of” Jaslyn said as she released Glenn and began pacing slowly.

“You sound like you’re angry at Stephanie” Glenn stated, a bit confused by Jaslyn’s words. “Well what do you expect from me? She won’t listen to me and I’m her best friend, her sister! I love her and I want her to be safe...why can’t she see past her love for him and see the truth?” Jaslyn shouted out in frustration before sighing heavily and apologizing to Glenn and David. David took his wife into his arms and held her tightly, stroking her back comfortingly. “Glenn, we need to think, How can we get her away from him?” David asked. Glenn felt overwhelmed as he tried desperately to think of a plan.


The next morning, the sun crept into Stephanie and Kane’s bedroom, slowly bathing the room with such false happiness. Neither Kane nor Stephanie woke until the room was filled with warm sunlight. Kane woke first and placed a soft kiss on Stephanie’s cheek before heading into the bathroom to shower. As he let the hot water splash over him, he felt a calmness sweep over him. Stephanie had forgave him. He was lucky she didn’t leave but he knew she wouldn’t. Stephanie loved him and would stay with him through thick and thin. He finished up ten minutes later then climbed out and dried off. As he opened the door and walked into the bedroom he saw Stephanie was just waking up.

“Morning princess” he said softly as he bent over her to kiss her lips softly. Stephanie smiled softly up at him and returned the kiss. “Morning” she replied quietly before stretching her arms over her head. Stephanie’s eyes roamed over Kane’s bare chest and legs, since he was only clad in a towel, and felt her body appreciating the sight.

“Like what you see?” Kane asked, his voice dropping a few octaves. “As a matter of fact I do” she purred softly. Stephanie moved to tuck her hair behind her ear and brushed her fingers against the bruise that still rested there. She hissed at the pain and shot her eyes up to Kane’s.

He immediately sighed and turned away from her when he saw the fear in her eyes. He knew it would be a long time before she no longer feared him. But then again a little fear might help keep her in her place, Kane thought to himself. He growled when the phone began ranging beside him.

“What” he answered gruffly. Stephanie took the opportunity to slide out of the bed and hurry over to her dressed to grab a tank top and pair of sleep shorts since she went to bed naked. “You can’t be serious” Kane stated, a hint of shock in his voice. Stephanie finished dressing and moved over to sit on the bed behind Kane as he lowered himself onto the bed.

“That’s BULLSHIT!” Kane shouted suddenly as he stood from the bed, startling Stephanie to say the least. ‘Who is he talking to?’ she thought to herself as she watched him begin to pace. Kane suddenly hung the phone up and tossed it aside then turned to glare at Stephanie. “Who...who was it?” Stephanie asked softly, a bit of fear swimming through her eyes. Kane’s entire body was tensed, his hands tightened into fists, as his eyes darkened, looking as if they were completely black.

“I have to pay five thousand dollars in repairs on my shop!” he shouted angrily. He moved to the side of the bed and pulled Stephanie up by her arm. “Do you think that was funny? Huh? Pissing him off to then he’d go ruin my shop?” Kane growled as he shook her. Stephanie whimpered in pain as he held her and looked away from him, tears springing to her eyes.

“I didn’t mean to...he was the one who hit on me, Kane. I just wanted him to leave me alone” Stephanie stated, trying to defend herself. “SHUT UP! You could’ve done something else, stated you had a fiancee might’ve helped. Didn’t think of that, did ya? No! Because you were too wrapped up in yourself and looking good for everyone that you didn’t give a shit what the consequences were!” Kane yelled in her face before yanking her towards the bed. He sat down and pulled her down to lay across his lap on her stomach.

“Well now you can learn the consequences the hard way, Stephanie” he stated angrily. “Let go, I didn’t do anything wrong!” Stephanie shouted as she squirmed in his grasp. Kane held her still as his free hand yanked her sleep shorts down her legs then tossed them aside. Stephanie cried out when Kane landed a sharp slap on her bare backside. “This is your fault Stephanie, and now you pay for it” Kane stated, almost in a calm tone of voice now.

“Stop!” Stephanie screamed out when Kane brought his hand down again. She couldn’t believe that Kane was spanking her as a punishment for looking good and having some jerk hit on her. Tears streamed down her face as Kane landed hard slaps over and over on her rear-end. By the time Kane finally stopped, Stephanie’s chest was heaving up and down from her heavy breathing and crying and her bottom was beat red. Kane then shoved her off his lap onto the floor and watched her as her body trembled from the amount of pain he had caused her.

“Get up” Kane growled down at her as he towered over her small frame. Stephanie continued to cry as she tried to make it to her feet, but her body was quivering too much to stand. “GET UP!” he shouted before yanking her up by her arm and dragging her over to a corner of the room. He shoved her into the corner, facing it, and held her there so she didn’t move.

“You will stand in this corner and think about the shit that you pulled until I tell you that you can move” Kane ordered. He glared at her and removed his hand then nodded when he saw her stay where he placed her. He swung his arm and landed one more, extremely hard, slap on her backside before turning and leaving the room. Stephanie was in hysterical tears as her knees bent and her hands clutched the wall, desperately trying to stay standing. The pain was overwhelming and her legs threatened to go out on her. “I’m sorry!” she cried out as she continued to face the wall, “I’m sorry...”.


Glenn was already over Jaslyn and David’s house, all of them sitting around in the living room, thinking of some way to keep Stephanie from Kane. “Why don’t we just pick her up and carry her the hell out” David growled in frustration. “Because Stephanie needs to see how horrible he is and see the REAL Kane” Jaslyn said softly to her husband as she rubbed his back, calming him slowly. Glenn sighed heavily as he closed his eyes and rubbed his face with his hands.

“How can she still love him after what he’s done to her already?” Glenn questioned, his voice quiet. Jaslyn shrugged slightly. “She’s a very loyal and stubborn girl. She loves him and will continue to find ways to justify the things he’s already done...and the things he might do in the future” she said softly, wishing she could run over to Kane’s house, take Stephanie into her arms, then whack her in the head to smack some sense into her.

“I have to go see her...maybe if I talk to her...you never know and it’s worth a try” Glenn stated, glancing over at David and Jaslyn for their opinions. They both agreed. “Get through to her Glenn” Jaslyn pleaded, “she won’t listen to me, and you’re the only other person besides me and David that she would listen to.”


Hours later, Kane walked back up to the bedroom and saw Stephanie, standing in the corner, clutching the wall to keep herself upright. He walked over to her and scooped her up into his arms. “Good girl” he stated flatly before kissing her forehead. He dropped her down onto the bed then walked over and grabbed her a pair of jeans and socks.

“Here, get dressed, then get down stairs and make me something to eat” Kane commanded. Stephanie’s body felt like lead sinking into the bed. She wasn’t sure she could move, but then again, she didn’t want to. What was going on? Why was Kane so angry at her and blaming her for his shop as well as treating her like his slave? “No...” she whispered as Kane walked out of the room. He abruptly stopped, turned, and walked back into the room.

“What did you say?” he asked darkly as he hovered over the bed, staring down at her. “I said...no...I’m not your slave” Stephanie whispered, her body completely unable to move. The pain and stress from crying and being spanked all settled over her, tensing up every muscle in her body.

“You WILL get up and go down stairs. You are my WIFE, Stephanie...you’ll do what I say, understand?” he growled down at her. “I’m not your wife yet, Kane...and if you’re not careful, you won’t have a fiancee anymore” she whispered, her eyes closed. Kane growled and grabbed her hair, pulling her face up to his harshly.

“Don’t back sass me!” he shouted before pulling his arm back. Stephanie saw his hand raise and immediately squeezed her eyes shut, preparing herself for the blow. Kane’s body was shaking with such anger at her attitude, but he held himself back, knowing that she would need all the strength she could get to do what he wanted and still be able to accommodate him later on that night for what he had in mind.

Kane shoved her back down onto the bed and hovered over her. He immediately wrapped his hand around Stephanie’s throat and began to squeeze slightly. “Listen to me princess...you are mine, okay honey? I love you and you love me, we’re going to be married, so there’s no more of this hanging out with Glenn and constantly being with Jaslyn. If we’re going to get married, then we better start spending the necessary time together. Got it?” Kane growled.

Stephanie tried to push him away from her so she could breathe better, but he only tightened his grip on her throat. She coughed and clawed at his arm, desperately needing to breathe. She shook her head, refusing to ever stop being with Jaslyn just because that’s what Kane wanted.

“You WILL do what I say Stephanie, or I swear to God, I’ll do something to Glenn, to Jaslyn, and to you, that you will NEVER forget. If I ever see you with Glenn again, you will pay dearly, do you understand me?” Kane snarled, his grip tightening even more. Stephanie was beginning to lose consciousness as his grip became more fierce. She finally nodded her head, even though she didn’t plan on complying with his demands. No one told Stephanie Callaway who to be friends with and who not to be friends with, not even her fiancee, the love of her life.

“Good girl” he muttered as he finally released her. Stephanie coughed harshly as she took deep breaths, rejuvenating her body.


Glenn strode up the porch of Kane’s house, determined to talk to Stephanie. ‘I’ll kill him for ever laying a hand on her’ Glenn thought angrily as he knocked on the door.

Kane smirked down at her when he heard a knock at the door. He knew it was Glenn. Kane knew that Jaslyn and David would immediately tell Glenn what transpired between him and his fiancee.

“Show time” Kane stated with a sick smile on his face. He yanked her up off the bed and grabbed her clothes. “Get dressed, then answer the door” he demanded before heading into the bathroom for a shower. Tears streamed down Stephanie’s face as she pulled on her clothes. She hurried out of the room then down the stairs to the front door. The second she opened the door, Glenn pulled her into his arms and held her close.

“I’ll kill him, I swear to God” Glenn growled as he stroked her hair. Stephanie felt her heart shatter in her chest as she listened to Glenn’s words. ‘He has to leave, Kane will kill him if you don’t make him leave Stephanie’ her mind told her firmly. Stephanie pulled out of his embrace and looked up into his eyes, her’s filled with such sorrow and regret.

“You have to leave Glenn” she said softly, her voice hoarse from what Kane had just done to her. Glenn felt his entire body tense as he observed the bruise on her face and the mark on her neck, which resembled a hand print. “I’m not leaving so that monster can hurt you Stephanie!” Glenn stated, his voice rising. She squeezed her eyes closed for a moment, her heart being drained of all happiness and hopefulness for love and the perfect family. She slowly raised her gaze to Glenn’s.

“I don’t want you in my life anymore, Glenn. I love Kane...he’s the p-perfect man in my eyes” Stephanie stated, trying not to throw up at her own words. Glenn looked into her eyes, a horrified expression twisting his features.

“I know you don’t mean that Stephanie. Did he tell you to say this? Tell me the truth Steph!” Glenn begged as he gripped her shoulders, not in a threatening gesture. Stephanie’s mouth opened and closed repeatedly as she tried to work up the nerve to tell him the truth.

She knew Glenn could protect himself and he could protect her. But Kane was evil, she could see it in his eyes. She didn’t want Glenn anywhere near Kane, and she didn’t want Kane anywhere near Glenn nor Jaslyn. She had to protect them, even if it meant her happiness and maybe some day her life. Stephanie pulled Glenn’s hands from her body and stepped back.

“Go away Glenn, I mean it. Our friendship meant a lot to me, but Kane means more to me than anyone. I love him and he needs me now more than anyone. Leave me alone and stay out of my life” she stated, staring into his eyes. Her eyes were begging him not to believe her, but apparently her words had hit the spot. Glenn felt his heart shatter at her words.

“How could you do this Steph?” Glenn whispered as he felt tears threatening to surface. He shoved his emotions back as hard as he could, desperately trying to keep them under control.

“Because I can, don’t come back” she whispered, holding herself in place. She wanted to scream everything to him. She wanted to tell him what Kane had done to her, the things he probably would do to her, and have Glenn hold her in his arms, but she refused to let her weaknesses take over. She had to keep Jaslyn and Glenn safe from Kane at all costs.

“Fine...but don’t expect me to return your calls if you change your mind. Once I leave this property, Stephanie, I’m gone” Glenn stated softly but firmly. Stephanie felt tears burn her eyes at his words.

“Goodbye” she whispered before slamming the door shut. Glenn took a deep breath to calm his nerves as he stared at the closed door. He wanted to yell, punch something, punch SOMEONE, but instead, he turned from the house and walked down the stairs of the porch. “Bye Steph” he said softly as he cast a final glance towards the house. Glenn then climbed into his truck and drove away, out of Stephanie’s life for good.

Stephanie stared out the window as she watched Glenn drive away. “Wait” she whispered, “WAIT!”. She dashed for the door and yanked it open then ran as fast as she could down the porch then down the drive way, screaming at the top of her lungs.

“STOP! I LIED! GLENN WAIT!” Stephanie screamed as tears streamed down her face. She knew Glenn was gone and there was no way to pull him back. She wanted to run back inside and kill Kane for what he had just made her do, but then again, she knew it was for the best. Glenn would be safe now and he would be happy. He didn’t need her, even though she needed him. Stephanie knew that she had just made the worst or the best decision of her life.

“Get up and get your ass back in the house” Kane’s voice trampled over her. Stephanie turned to face him, glaring with such hate up into his eyes. Kane simply smiled down at her and pulled her against him. “Beautiful performance, love” he stated with a soft chuckle.

“Why did you make me do that? Why are you doing any of this to me?” Stephanie whispered, needing to know what she did wrong. Kane’s face darkened at her words and he gripped her arm tightly before dragging her back towards the house. “Because your mine, and because I can” he stated as he shoved her into the house then slammed the front door shut.

Stephanie wrapped her arms around herself, one hand rubbing the arm Kane had gripped so tightly. “Get in the kitchen and make something to eat, I’m starving” Kane demanded. She turned to him and sniffled as she wiped her tears away. “Why can’t you?” she asked softly, looking up into his eyes. Kane stalked towards her, backing her into the nearest wall.

“You want another spanking?” he asked, his eyebrows raised threateningly. Stephanie squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head vigorously. “No...please” she whispered as she shrank away from him.

“Then get in there” he commanded, giving her a bit of a shove towards the kitchen. Stephanie stumbled but caught herself and continued slowly towards the stove. She wanted nothing more than to have Glenn and Jaslyn here with her, telling her she should do and supporting her like they always have.

Stephanie quickly made two large sandwiches, despite her trembling hands, and carried it into the living room. Kane was sitting on the large couch, reading the newspaper. She approached him and handed one of the plate to him. Stephanie gasped when Kane knocked the second plate out of her hand, making the plate and the food crash to the floor a few feet away.

“I don’t need two” Kane growled as he set his food down on the coffee table. Stephanie choked back a whimper as tears slid down her face. “That one was mine” she whispered as she lowered her head. Kane quirked an eyebrow at her. “I didn’t say you could have anything yet” Kane stated, as if it was such a simple statement.

“Kane, I’m hungry” Stephanie said as she moved in front of him. Kane tossed his newspaper aside and glared up at her. “Clean up the mess you made. I’ll let you eat something later” he stated before picking up his own sandwich and digging in. Stephanie spun away from him and stormed into the kitchen. She couldn’t believe the way Kane was treating her.

This was supposed to be the man who loved her more than anything? Stephanie silently cried as she cleaned the broken plate and the pieces of the sandwich up off the floor. Kane walked into the kitchen a few minutes later and smirked as he watched her bend to throw something into the garbage. He moved up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Let’s go upstairs” he purred in her ear. Stephanie did a full body shiver with dread at his words. She loved this man, but at the moment, she feared him more than anything. Kane then scooped her up in his arms and carried her up the stairs and into their bedroom.

“Now, you got Glenn out of our way, now it’s Jaslyn’s turn” Kane stated as he set her down on the bed. Stephanie turned to him, such a pleading look in her eyes. “I can’t...Jaslyn means the world to me and I will NOT hurt her like this” Stephanie shouted, her anger and fear building up inside her. Kane glared at her, his eyes so dark with anger.

“Do it, or I swear to God tomorrow in the paper there is gonna be an obituary that you won’t want to read” Kane growled as he gripped her arm tightly, so tight that it brought tears to her eyes. Stephanie pulled away from him, her heart clenching in her chest at the thought of Kane hurting her best friend, her sister. Kane grabbed the cordless phone off it’s cradle and shoved it into her hand.

“Hello?” Stephanie heard Jaslyn’s voice once she built up the nerve to dial her number. “Jas...it’s...it’s me” Stephanie said softly. “Honey are you okay? What’s wrong?” Jaslyn asked, alarm in her voice. “I’m fine...I have to tell you something” Stephanie said in a rush of words. Jaslyn glanced over at David who had been sitting behind her giving her a massage but was now seated beside her, a worried expression on her face which immediately worried David.

“What is it sweetie?” Jaslyn asked, her curiosity piquing as a sense of dread settled over her. “We can’t have our days together anymore...I love you and David, but I...love...Kane more and he needs me now” Stephanie stated, before stopping to take a deep breath to stop herself from vomiting, “don’t come to Kane’s house again, just get me out of your head and life. You and Glenn can’t be in my life anymore”. Jaslyn had tears streaming down her face as she listened to her best friend.

“Stephanie...you can’t mean this” she whispered as she clutched the phone in a vice grip. Stephanie’s resolves were breaking down as she listened to her friend sobbing. “I mean it, goodbye Jaslyn” Stephanie said before hanging the phone up and tossing it across the room with an ear piercing scream.

The phone smashed against the wall, exploding into thousands of pieces all over the floor. Kane tossed his head back and let out the laughter he’d been holding in. “Beautifully done, sweetheart!” Kane stated joyfully as he yanked her down onto the bed. “WHY? Why did I have to do that!” Stephanie shouted as rivers of agonizing tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Because they would’ve gotten in the way of our love and happiness sweetheart” Kane cooed as he stroked her hair lovingly. Stephanie closed her eyes, not able to look into his without wanting to hit him, scream at him, beat him for forcing her to cause Glenn and Jaslyn such pain.


Jaslyn was curled up in David’s arms, crying her heart out as Stephanie’s words ran over and over again through her mind. “How could she do this? How could she throw away our friendship?” Jaslyn sobbed. David held her tightly and felt his entire body tensing and quivering. He wasn’t sure what to think of the phone call that just transpired between his wife and Stephanie, but by Jaslyn’s reaction, he knew it was real.

“I know it hurts Jasy...I know it hurts, but as long as she’s with Kane, it might be impossible to reach her” David said softly as he held her tightly. Jaslyn lifted her head and looked into her husbands eyes. They were filled with such sorrow and concern for her.

“She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want to be reached. It’s time to let her go and let her make her own decisions, no matter how much I want to get her away from him. She’s hurt me in a way that I KNOW she wouldn’t do for no good reason” Jaslyn whispered, her heart breaking at her own words. David rocked his wife in his arms, wrapping her in his love to try and heal her heart after Stephanie had torn it open.


“Fight me” Kane growled as he suddenly ripped Stephanie’s tank top from her body. Stephanie’s eyes widened with alarm as she tried to cover her exposed breasts. “what?” she asked as she tried scooting away from him. Kane pulled her back and grabbed her wrists then pinned them above her head. His black eyes gleamed down at her with evil intentions as he yanked her pants and panties down then tossed them aside. “Fight me!” he shouted as he started unbuttoning and unzipping his jeans. Stephanie struggled against him, trying to pull her wrists from his grasp.

“NO! I don’t want to do this” she cried out, trying to make him stop. She bowed up off the and twisted and turned, trying to get out of his clutches. “That’s my girl, fight!” Kane growled as he pushed his jeans off then shoved her legs apart, despite her best efforts to keep them closed. The next thing she knew, Kane was inside her, thrusting into her hard and fast. She yanked on her arms, trying to break his hold on her, but he was just too strong.

“Please! Kane stop!” she begged, “I thought you loved me.” Kane grunted as he took his pleasure. He bent over her and took one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking on it hard. Stephanie squeezed her eyes shut, trying to deny the pleasure he was forcing her body to endure.

“Feel good baby? Huh? Want me to stop? Go harder?” Kane taunted, confusing her already over loaded mind. Stephanie whimpered as her body tingled with pleasure. She didn’t want to enjoy it, not after what Kane had just done to her life. He just took away the two people that meant most to her and now all she had left, was Kane. He grunted as he thrust harder into her, flesh slapping hard against flesh.

Kane tossed his head back as he roared out his release, his warm seed spilling deep inside her. Stephanie felt the tears come as Kane pulled out of her and rolled off her. He had taken his own pleasure and left her body humming with pleasure, but unfulfilled. She rolled onto her side and squeezed her eyes closed as her heart tightened painfully in her chest as she panted. Stephanie had lost everything in her life so quickly, her best friend and sister, and the man that was also her best friend as well as the courage that once ran through her body.

“I love you” Kane murmured in her ear as he pulled her into his arms, “just give me a minute the I’ll take care of you”. Kane’s hand slid down her stomach then slipped between her tightly closed legs. Stephanie wanted to run away, but where would she go? She no longer had Glenn. She no longer had Jaslyn. Her only option was to stay with Kane, and pray he changed back into the man she fell in love with.

Chapter 25

Stephanie stared out the window of her and Kane’s bedroom. The leaves were just beginning to change colors and a slight chill was creeping into the air. “I’m going to work” Kane stated flatly before turning Stephanie’s head towards him and crushed his lips to hers, taking a kiss whenever he wanted one. Stephanie turned her head away from him the second he released her and looked back out the window.

“you better pray there isn’t extreme damage done on my shop” Kane threatened before walking out. She wiped her mouth on her arm, not wanting to feel of Kane’s lips on her skin. “not my fault some asshole wanted to demolish your shit” Stephanie muttered as she slid from the window seat and walked into the bathroom. Stephanie sighed heavily when she glanced in the mirror. The large bruise from Kane hitting her a few days ago was beginning to fade slightly, but it was still very visible.

“whatever” she mumbled before turning the shower on full blast and stepping under the hot spray. When had everything gone so very wrong? It seemed as though one minute she was being held in the arms of the love of her life, and now she was being cautious of everything she said, fearing that she might set Kane off and be abused more. Being hit and beaten by Kane was the last thing Stephanie wanted, but she loved him. No matter how hard she tried to stop, tried to make her heart turn away from him, she just couldn’t do it. She looked at Kane and saw the man she met in Glenn’s gym, the man that took her out to his bar and swept her off her feet on the dance floor, the man that proposed to her with all the love in his eyes that she could ever hope for.

‘it’s just a passing thing, he’ll come back to me soon’ Stephanie thought to herself, not truly believing it, but trying to convince herself of it. Ten minutes later, she climbed out and dressed in a pair of sweat pants and white tank top.

“I’ll write, that’ll keep my mind off him” she said to herself as she moved to the nightstand beside the bed. She opened the bottom drawer and her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. “where the hell is my story?” she whispered, her mind racing as to where else she could have placed it. It was no use, Stephanie knew for a fact that she had picked up her story off the floor after Kane had tossed it all over the floor. She hadn’t moved it anywhere else.

“where the FUCK did he put it?” Stephanie shouted as she slammed the drawer shut. Stephanie felt her blood boiling at the thought of Kane touching her novel, the one thing that she knew was her future. She stalked around the room, searching every closet, drawer, and even under the bed, but her story was no where to be found.


Hours later, Kane stormed into the house, slamming the front door so hard that the walls shook around it. “STEPHANIE!” Kane shouted as he took the stairs two at a time. “what do you want?” Stephanie asked as she walked out of the bedroom and stood face to face with him, “where the HELL did you put my story!”

Kane grabbed a handful of Stephanie’s hair and dragged her back into the bedroom. “where’s your story! Do you have ANY idea how much damage you caused on my fucking SHOP!” Kane shouted in her face before shoving her onto the floor. Stephanie scooted away from him, fear spilling from her eyes and swelling in her heart, but she refused to back down so easily.

“that was NOT my fault! He hit on me and your blaming me because I rejected him? And pissed him off? Is that it?” Stephanie shouted back. Kane glared down at her so strongly that Stephanie took a step back. “you little bitch, YOU are the reason he destroyed everything I own!” Kane yelled, stalking towards her slowly, wanting to make her nervous. He had no idea just how well it was working.

“you’re an ASSHOLE! He destroyed it because you grabbed him, choked him, then threw him out of the bar, which he deserved! Why are you acting like this?” Stephanie shouted, her voice softening with every word. Kane was trembling with such anger at her words.

“NOTHING! This is me Stephanie and if you don’t like it well then tough shit, you’ll get used to it” he shouted before turning and heading towards the bedroom door. “go to hell then if this is the real you” Stephanie stated softly, glaring a hole through her fiancée.

Kane growled fiercely as he turned back towards her. Stephanie saw the look in his eyes, and she knew that he had finally snapped. She turned to run into the bathroom but Kane grabbed her arm and whipped her around to face him. She screamed out in pain when Kane backhanded her already bruised cheek.

“you’re not being very good Stephanie, a very BAD girl if I do say so myself” Kane stated, as if it was a simple fact of life. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her cheek, the pain more intense then anything she’s ever felt in her life. “get away from me!” she screamed, despite the throbbing in her cheek.

“I DIDN’T SAY YOU COULD SPEAK!” he growled out before kicking her in the stomach. Stephanie rolled over a few times as she wrapped her arms around herself. She coughed and wheezed, desperately trying to catch her breath. ‘why didn’t I leave when I had the chance’ she thought with such regret as she tried to crawl to the door. “going somewhere?” Kane asked before laughing softly, “you think I’m done with you?”

Kane stalked over to her and pulled her up off the floor, into his arms in a wedding carry. “let’s go play” he said with a chuckle before kissing her head softly. Stephanie wanted to struggle against him, but with the pain that was exploding through her stomach and her head, she knew it would be pointless. He carried her into the kitchen then pushed open the basement door, making sure to close it behind them when he started down the stairs.

“time to teach you how to be good, sweetheart. Trust me, you’ll learn in no time” Kane stated sweetly, making Stephanie want to empty the contents of her stomach. He made his way across the room then stopped and laid her down on a cold stone slab.

“what the hell are you doing!” Stephanie exclaimed once she regained her composure. Her eyes widened as she looked around at her surroundings. There were knifes, whips, handcuffs, belts, and other instruments of torture hanging everywhere all over the walls. ‘dear god’ she thought to herself, her mind beginning to fog as such overwhelming emotions of fear and nervousness surrounded her.

By that time, Kane had already shackled her wrists and ankles. “can’t have you running away, can I?” he asked, his eyebrows raised in question. Stephanie whimpered softly and began to cry. She didn’t want to even imagine what Kane was going to do to her.

“Kane, I’m sorry…I swear to God, I’ll do whatever you want, just please let me up” Stephanie begged softly. Kane’s features softened at her words as he moved up beside her and leaned his face down to hers. “you swear?” he asked. “I swear” Stephanie whispered as she nodded her head. Kane smiled softly and kissed her then, his lips soft and loving against hers. Stephanie kissed him back, the desperation she was feeling needed to be soothed. The only person she had to soothe her was the man that was creating the pain and desperation in the first place.

“I love you” Kane whispered as he stroked her hair gently, looking into her eyes with such tenderness and care. “I love you too Kane, I just don’t want you to hurt me anymore” she said softly, her eyes magnifying the sincerity of her words. Kane sighed softly as he stood up then walked over to the wall and slid a knife from its holder. Stephanie’s breathing became labored with such fear as he moved towards her.

“Kane…what are you doing?” she asked frantically as she tried to scoot away from him. “shhhh” Kane whispered as he ran his free hand down her body. Kane then grabbed her shirt and sliced it down the middle with the extremely sharp blade. Stephanie squeezed her eyes closed and turned her head away from him, fearing the knife probably more than Kane. She softly begged Kane to let her up and stop this as she watched him slice off her sweat pants, leaving her only her panties since her tank top had a built in bra.

“stop squirming” Kane growled. Stephanie immediately stilled her movements, not wanting to upset him more than she already had. “Kane…” she whispered as tears spilled from her eyes, “your scaring me.” Kane chuckled softly and carefully placed the knife back in its holder on the wall.

“don’t be scared of me Steph, I’m just teaching you that you can’t disobey me and get away with it. It’s as simple as that” he stated as he moved to his right and took something else off the wall. “Kane NO!” she screamed when she saw a leather whip dangling from Kane’s hand.

“SHUT UP!” he roared before swinging his arm down and whipping her across the stomach. Stephanie cried out in agonizing pain and continued to do so as Kane proceeded to whip her like an animal all over her body. She could barely breath, could barely keep hold of reality as her body slightly convulsed from the beating Kane had just given her.

Her legs, stomach, arms, and chest all had lacerations that bled slightly. Stephanie didn’t know how much longer she could stay awake with this pain as she looked up at her fiancée. He was panting from the adrenaline and anger coursing through his body.

Stephanie WOULD obey him no matter what it took. He felt slightly guilty as he watched Stephanie cry, twitch with pain, and bleed, but he knew the guilt would pass. ‘she has to learn, and if this is what it takes, so be it’ he thought solemnly. He carefully placed the whip back on the wall then leaned over Stephanie and kissed her forehead softly.

“Stephanie, I love you, you know that. I need to teach you that you have to obey and you have to be good” Kane whispered. He placed one more kiss on her forehead before walking towards the stairs then up into the kitchen. He grabbed a few paper towels, some dry and some wet, then went back down to Stephanie. He saw that she had finally passed out, and figured it was for the best.

“rest now sweetheart. I only do this for your own good, remember” Kane said softly as he started wiping away the blood from Stephanie’s body. Once he wiped away most of the blood from her cuts, he unshackled her and scooped her in his arms.

“you’ll sleep down here tonight” he muttered as he walked over to the far, shadowed, corner of the room. There, on the floor, sat a black cage, large enough to fit two people that were Stephanie’s size. He pulled open the door, slid her in, then closed it and securely locked it. “night sweetheart” he stated before turning away from her and walking up the stairs, locking the basement door as well.

“where…” Stephanie whispered as her eyes slowly fluttered open. Pain exploded through her head as her body began to tremble. A soft light was all she had to see with but it was hard to miss the large gashes all over her body. Sobs racked her body hard as he curled up on her side into a ball.

‘don’t talk back to him anymore…you can’t take this punishment all the time, Stephanie’ she thought to herself. Why had she ever let Glenn and Jaslyn go? She thought the question over and over, but could never find an answer. She loved Kane yes, but how could she live with this? She wanted to be loved and held, not beaten and whipped like an animal. “I could go home” she whispered, even as the thought was discarded from her head. If she went back home, it would momentarily confuse Kane, he would probably think she went to Glenn, but he would check there.

‘call the police!’ Stephanie’s mind screamed at her. “no” she whispered as she tightened her arms around her body. She didn’t know if the police would be able to protect her from him. It seemed like no one could protect Stephanie from Kane, especially now that she no longer had Glenn, Jaslyn, and David in her life.

“just be good…be a good girl” Stephanie whispered before whimpering and continuing to sob. What had her life become?

Chapter 26

Kane left Stephanie down in the basement in that cage all night then around noon the next day, he decided she’d had enough. Stephanie was curled up in a ball, shivering from the low temperature the basement produced. When Kane took her in his arms, she was cold to the touch. “You’ve had enough” Kane whispered as he carried her up the stairs.

“I’m sorry...I’ll be good...I’ll be a good girl” Stephanie whispered quietly, her voice almost unintelligible. Kane smiled down at her before laying her down on their bed. “That’s my girl, now let’s get you cleaned up” he whispered comfortingly in her ear. He then proceeded to clean off all the gashes his whip had created on her body, dressed her in fresh pajama pants and one of his large t-shirts then tucked her into bed. Kane went down stairs into the kitchen and grabbed something for her to eat then went back up stairs and gave it to her.

“Eat this and go to sleep” he ordered softly, “you need your rest for later, baby”. Kane kissed her lips softly and felt how she trembled still as the blankets around her slowly tried warming her. He had the best way to warm her, but he knew he would have to keep her healthy. He didn’t want to kill her, he just needed to use intimidation or his strength to enforce his rules. She seemed to be learning quite well at the moment, and he knew that as she learned to obey him, his beatings would lessen until they were no longer necessary.


Weeks began passing and Stephanie’s submissiveness towards Kane grew to be her natural ways. However, once in a while, there were times when Kane’s demands were too degrading or she just wasn’t in the mood to put up with his commands. Stephanie sat in the kitchen in one of the tables chairs, her knees pulled up to her chest and a cup of coffee in her hands.

Her mind was completely disheveled. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do and prayed that some clues would dawn on her soon. Her right hand reached up to idly stroke the dark bruise adorning her cheek. Glenn’s face had been wafting through her mind for the past few weeks. Stephanie wondered if he even thought of her, if he missed her. She could barely remember how it would feel when Glenn would hold her so carefully and gently in his arms, making her feel as though she was the most loved woman in the entire world. She missed it dearly and daily cursed herself for making so many mistakes.

Tears slowly began to bring her eyes as she thought of Glenn’s smile, his laughter. She needed Glenn in her life. He was the only person who ever gave her the love and affection she so desperately craved. Her tears finally spilled silently down her cheeks, a single tear drop landing in her coffee cup. She watched as the liquid rippled, creating ring after ring which was something normally Stephanie’s artistic side would appreciate, but nothing seemed to matter.

She no longer had Glenn in her life and was engaged to a man who would rather raise his hand or fist at her than hold her and love her. Stephaine finally stood and emptied her coffee cup in the sink before turning to leave the kitchen. She tightened her robe around her body as she slowly ascended the stairs. She could see Kane sleeping since the door was cracked open thankful that no more harm would be beheld to her on that might. Stephanie slipped into the room and carefully climbed into bed.

Once under the covers, Kane’s arms immediately wrapped around her and pulled her close. Her heart skipped a beat as she raised her eyes to his face but let out a sigh of relief when she discovered he still slept. She stroked Kane’s arm gently, soothing him back to his deep sleep, as she closed her eyes. She knew that sleep would not come for some time but hoped for different, because she knew the next day she would be forced to do all the house work while Kane watched her, begging for her to make a wrong move.

Stephanie’s eyes fluttered open the next morning, being met by the sun flowing through the window. Stephanie glanced around the room, wondering where Kane had gone. His side of the bed was cold and empty. “Kane?” she called out a bit softly. “What” he replied gruffly from the bathroom. He walked out, wiping his cleanly shaved face with a towel. She smiled softly and crawled out of bed.

“Nice and smooth” she said softly as she ran the back of her fingers along his jaw. Kane stared down into her eyes, his darkening with desire for her. He tossed the towel aside and roughly grabbed her arms before dragging her back to the bed and slamming her down on it. Kane groaned and felt himself harden when he saw fear coursing through her eyes.

“Kane, I haven’t taken my pill yet” Stephanie pointed out as she pressed her hands against his chest. “I don’t want you to” Kane replied as he started pulling at her clothes. “Kane, please!” Stephanie begged as she began to struggle against him. Kane growled at her defiance and backhanded her, causing her to shriek in pain and hold her cheek.

“Knock it off” Kane demanded as he tore the rest of her night clothes off. He slid the belt from his jeans and quickly wrapped it around her neck before pushing his jeans down and thrusting into her unprepared body. She tried to hold her screams in as he forced himself upon her, which was becoming easy with the slow tightening of the belt around her neck. She coughed and gripped the belt, pulling it mere centimeters away from her neck so she could try and breathe. Kane grunted and gripped her hips with his free hand, feeling his body tingle with amazing pleasure.

“God, I love fucking you” Kane moaned as he loosened the belt for a moment. Stephanie got a few good breaths in and her fingers under the belt before he tightened it again.

“Cum for me Steph, or I swear to God...I’ll choke you to death” he grunted, staring evilly down at her. She whimpered as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. She desperately tried to concentrate on the feel of him inside her, thrusting hard. She even started thinking about Glenn, and how wonderfully they made love. She started whimpering as Kane loosened the belt then slid it off.

“Mmm, harder” she moaned as she spread her legs further for him. Kane growled furiously at Stephanie’s encouragement, and thrust into her with extreme force. She tossed her head from side to side as her release built up inside her. “Fuck me, you son of a bitch” Stephanie screamed. Kane was a bit shocked at her words but let his body over rule his mind. He gripped her hips with extreme strength and thrust into her brutally, rocking her entire body. Stephanie had the lingering fear that Kane would impregnate her, so she decided to risk everything. Stephanie felt her orgasm peak and finally released.

“GLEEEENNN” she screamed at the top of her lungs. Kane roared as his release followed, his see spilling deep inside her. Once Kane regained his strength, he slid out of her and pulled his jeans up. Stephanie slowly caught her breath only to have Kane’s hand enclose around her throat.

“Glenn? Is that who you think about when I fuck you? Huh?” he growled as his hand tightened. Stephanie clawed his hand, desperately trying to get loose so she could breathe. “Kane...” she rasped, looking deep into his menacing black eyes. “SHUT UP” he shouted before picking her up off the bed by her throat and tossing her down onto the floor. Stephanie coughed furiously and held her throat as she tried making her way towards the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Kane growled as he grabbed her ankle and pulled her back. “No...Kane, please, it was an accident” she begged, her voice still hoarse as Kane gripped her hair and pulled her to her feet. “Accident? FUCK ACCIDENTS!” he shouted before punching her square in the stomach. Stephanie collapsed to the floor, choking and coughing as she tried to breathe. Kane climbed on top of her and grabbed her hair once again.

“If you EVER say his name in my presence again, I will kill you Stephanie” Kane threatened, glaring down into her eyes. Before she could even respond, Kane slapped her hard on her left cheek then backhanded her right cheek. Stephanie tried to stop him, cry out, something, but her mind was beginning to fog over with tremendous pain.

“NEVER say his name again, ya hear?” Kane growled as he gripped her hair tightly in his fist. Kane pulled her up to her feet by her hair before shoving her hard into the wall. Her body slammed against it before crumpling to the ground in a heap. Kane walked over to her and rolled her onto her back with his foot. He sighed when he realized she had hit her head against the wall which caused her to lose consciousness and also lacerate her forehead. Kane quickly pulled on his shirt then his shoes before dressing Stephanie in a pair of pajama pants and tank top.

“Damn it” he mumbled as he scooped her up in his arms. Kane carried Stephanie out of their bedroom, down the stairs, then out the front door to his truck. “We’ll just tell them you fell down the stairs” Kane muttered to himself as he drove them towards the hospital.


‘Light...too much light’ Stephanie thought as she squeezed her eyes closed tighter. “Is this better miss?” a male voice asked her as the lights were dimmed. Stephanie slowly opened her eyes and looked around frantically. “Where...where am I?” she asked, keeping her voice soft since the slightest noise made her head pound harder.

“Stephanie, your in the hospital” the doctor asked as he stepped up to her bedside. Just then, Kane walked into the room and looked at her with such concern in his eyes. “Thank God your okay, Steph” he exclaimed as he hurried over to her side and sat down on the edge of her bed. He leaned down to hug her gently, not wanting to hurt her.

“If you open your mouth about what happened, I swear, next time I’ll finish the job Stephanie. Don’t test me” Kane growled in her ear, his voice menacingly deep. Kane made sure to keep his voice low enough so the doctor wouldn’t overhear him. “Kane, could I please talk to Stephanie alone? I have to finish my examination” the doctor asked kindly. Kane glanced at him then nodded.

“I’ll be right out in the waiting room, princess” Kane stated before kissing her lips softly. Stephanie held back the tears that threatened to fall and tried to keep her fear bottled up inside her from the words he just growled to her. “So, Stephanie, do you remember your fall?” the doctor asked as he held his clipboard in front of him. She remember everything alright. She remembered Kane beating her until she was in such pain that she couldn’t even beg him to stop.

‘A fall? That’s his excuse?’ she thought bitterly as she rested against the pillow, ‘now is your chance Stephanie. Tell the doctor what he did to you!’. “yes...I remember” she heard herself say softly, “it was an accident...I should’ve been more careful.” She could easily see the disbelief in the doctors eyes, but there was no way she would risk her life just to tell this stranger the truth of what her fiancee had been doing to her.

“I’d like to keep you here over night just to reassure that you are not suffering from a concussion” the doctor stated. ‘That’ll just make Kane even more. If this fifty year old, chubby, grey haired doctor thinks that I’m going to risk my life so he can pry into my life, then he has another thing coming’ Stephanie thought, her fear rising by the minute. “No, I’m fine, I just need to be home to rest” Stephanie insisted.

“Stephanie...the extensive amount of bruises on your body as well as your face indicates to me that this might’ve been a bit more than a fall...” the doctor suggested subtly. Stephanie shook her head as she averted her eyes to her hands which rested on her stomach.

“No...I fell...that’s all, and now I want to go home” she stated. Even if Doctor Andrews thought there was abuse going on in Stephanie’s life, there was nothing he could do about it without a complaint from her. So within a half hour, Stephanie was dressed and checked out to return home with Kane. “What the hell did you say to that nosey asshole?” Kane growled as he grabbed her roughly by her arm and lead her to his truck.

“I didn’t tell him anything Kane, I promise” she said softly, her voice quivering as she limped slightly. He was squeezing her arm with an unnecessary amount of strength which was making her knees weak with pain. “Good” he stated flatly before opening her door and lifting her up into her seat.

Silent tears streamed down her face as Kane drove them home. She wanted her Kane back, the man who loved her with soft kisses and heated caresses, not bone crunching grips, backhands, and threatening words. She knew that even if she did everything Kane demanded that she do, he would still find an excuse to hit her, considering in her eyes, it seemed like Kane enjoyed it.

Chapter 13

A couple of weeks later found Mark and Mands on the road with the company. Mark thought having Mands on the road with him, would help with getting to know one another better, especially when it came to the business. Mands was excited to learn more about what he did. Mark introduced her to the talent and such as they made their way to his locker room. Putting his bags to the side and settling upon the leather couch that sat in his locker room, it had been a long flight for the both of them. Mands was off talking to Dave and John Cena. They met previously and hit it off real well. It made Mark happy to see his daughter opening up more and talking more to other in the company.


Mands came walking in with assistance from the crutches, the knees and left were still in braces. What gave her presence away was her tingling of the metal Army dog tags that hung around her neck. Mark sat up as she came in the doorway, closing the door behind her as Mark spoke, “You can tell when your coming into a room.” Mands jumped as she turned around and looked to her dad. “I thought you were getting ready for your match.” She said as she got her breath back. He chuckled and shook his head, “Not yet. I will be in a bit. Glen and I have a tag team match tonight for the titles.” She nodded as she moved over to the couch and plopped herself down, placing the crutches to the side. “I can’t want to get rid of these and use my own feet again.” Mark patted her shoulder as he got to his feet, walking over to his bag and gathering his ring attire. “You will be soon. I talked to one of the trainer’s named Tony. He runs the whole thing, he’s willing to work with ya if you want.” She nodded, “Sounds good. The more I work with someone the better off I am.” He looked over to her as he kicked off his work boots. “If a knock sounds on the door, just answer it. It might be Glen or someone telling me I have five minutes for my match. I’m going to get ready and then warm up.” She nodded as she closed her eyes, “Sure thing.” He walked into the back to change.

Mark came walking back out changed in his ring attire of his black ‘Deadman, Inc.’ leather pants and black wife beater, which was just hanging around his waist. He was rummaging through his bag for a few things, when a pounding came at his door. Mands jumped as Mark looked over his shoulder to her, “Must be Glen.” he commented as he recognized the knock anywhere. Mands got to her feet and hobbled over to the door without her crutches and opened up the door, to Glen on the other side. She looked over her shoulder to Mark getting to his feet, “You’re good.” Mark chuckled, “No I just know his knock anywhere.” She chuckled as Glen leaned against the doorway and stood up to his full height revealing JC, standing behind him. Mands sighed a bit, “JC what are you doing here? I thought you had a match to get too.” Mark peeked around the door as his eyes narrowed to Cena standing behind Glen. He didn’t really like Cena making googly eyes, especially at HIS daughter. “What do you want Cena?” Mark growled out a bit. John jumped just a bit as he cleared his throat, “I wanted to talk to Mands for a moment Mark.. I mean Taker..” Mands looked up to her dad, “Just give me a moment dad. I’ll be right outside the door, promise.” Mark looked down to her with soft eyes, “Alright. Glen and I have to talk about the match anyways.” Glen walked into the room as Mands made her way into the hallway to speak with JC.

Mark closed the door and snorted as he walked over to the couch and seated himself to put on the rest of his gear. Glen sat in a chair and saw a change in Mark, “Uh oh, the big protective Big Dog has surfaced. I knew this was bound to happen.” Mark looked up to Glen, after finishing tying his boots. “What was bound to happen? You know how I am about him Glen. All the rookies are the same. I’m being cautious.” Glen chuckled a bit, “Over extremely cautious. I think Mands is smart enough to make her own decisions Mark.” Mark sighs as he sits back against the back of the couch, “I know. I still worry no matter what.” Glen nods, “It’s no big deal to worry Mark. You’re her father. Father’s worry when it comes to their daughters.” Mark lifted a brow, “How do you know this?” Glen shrugs, “Just a lucky guess.” Mark chuckled a bit as he got to his feet and walked over to his bag and grabbed his red bandana and stood to his full height as they got into a discussion about the match.
------------------------------------------------------
Mands had closed the door as JC stepped up, leaned his head down and clenched Mands lips with a gentle kiss. Mands was taken back by this in shock, then kissed him back gently. Both pulling back as neither knew what to say. Mands walked over to one of the rolling case and sat down as JC followed. “Wh..” Clearing her throat a bit, “What did you want to talk to me about JC?” she asked. John shook his head, getting his head back into reality as he approached her. “I was hoping you were gonna watch my match tonight. I’ve got a title shot.” Mands thought for a moment and nods, “Of course I’m gonna watch your match. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Well plus my dad’s and Glen’s match I can’t miss either.” JC chuckled a bit. “Yea I know. Also I wanted to ask you if you would go out with me after the show tonight?” Mands went from talking to just plain unable to speak. She didn’t know what to say, then finally found her voice. “I..I.. I don’t know John. If dad wins his match for the tag titles tonight, we were gonna go out and celebrate. I already promised him I would. You know I can’t break a promise to him.” JC nodded, “I understand maybe some other time.” She nodded, “Sure, be plenty of other chances John. Oh I almost forgot...” John had shoved his hands within his black jean shorts with the Chain Gang Soldier logo on it when Mands caught his attention. Mands reached into her pocket and pulled out a dark blue velvet pouch and handed it to John. “I wanted you to take this for good luck tonight.” John took his hands out of his pockets and took it from Mands hands and opened the cloth. It was a sterling silver eagle charm with it’s wings expanded.

John looked to it and then to Mands. “I can’t take this Mands...” He folded it back up as he handed it back to her, “I would be afraid of loosing it really. You know how I am with things sometimes.” She nodded as she took it back and sighs a bit. “I understand John.” John took a step forward and placed his hands upon each of her upper arms and rubbed them a bit, “Just knowing your watching is the good luck I need. I’ll stop by after my match. I know you’re dad will have his after mine. We’ll talk more alright?” I nodded, “Just becareful out there.” She said as he nodded and walked off. Mands just sat there as the locker room door opened beside her. She looked over and Glen was walking out of the room, “I’ll see you later Mands.” She waved as Mark came walking out, “Everything alright Mands?” Mark asked. She turned on the box and looked to her dad, “Yea everything is fine. John just had to talk to me about something.” Mark nods as she climbed to her feet and winced as she stopped in her steps, almost loosing her balance. Mark stepped forward quickly and caught Mands within his arms. “You’re not alright when it comes to walking yet. How many times do I have to tell you to use those crutches of yours?” Mands looked up to her father and sighs, “A hundred more times and it might sink in.” She said sarcastically. Mark sighed and shook his head, “Smart ass. Come on let’s get you to the couch.” She nodded as Mark helped her back inside the locker room.

Chapter 27

“Let’s go” Kane said as he pulled Stephanie up to her feet, almost gently, by her arm. It had been a few weeks since she had walked out of the hospital with him and it had only taken a few days for Stephanie to realize just how miserable her life was going to be. Stephanie stood and kept her eyes lowered to the floor, knowing better than to look him in the eye.

“Put on your shoes and a light jacket” Kane commanded as he walked to the door to slide on his own boots. Stephanie walked up the stairs to their bedroom, slid on her shoes, and grabbed a jacket then walked back down and met Kane at the front door. Kane took her jacket from her hands then turned her around and held it out for her. Stephanie lifted her gaze to Kane’s, her eyes full of question.

“Well?” he asked impatiently. Stephanie slid her arms in the sleeves then turned and followed Kane out of the house. “We’re going for a ride on my Harley” Kane stated as he pulled her along into the garage. Kane straddled his bike and turned it on then maneuvered around to face the driveway.

“Get on” Kane demanded. Stephanie immediately straddled the bike and wrapped her arms around Kane’s waist. The ride down the drive way was slow, but when they finally hit the open road, Stephanie felt like as though she could peek out of the shell Kane had wrapped her in the past few months. The crisp wind whipped through Stephanie’s hair and turned her cheeks rosy from the chill.

This was freedom. It was times like this when she felt free. There was only her and the fast speed of the motorcycle, the humming engine vibrating beneath her. She glanced up at Kane and felt her heart clench. This was also the time when Kane was her love once again, the Kane she fell in love with.

Stephanie snuggled her head against his back and tightened her hold around his waist. Kane revved the bike to a faster speed as he felt Stephanie’s warm, soft body snuggling closer to him. He had noticed Stephanie’s change in demeanor and he now knew that Stephanie had decided to heed his commands. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he had to teach her how to respect him, obey him, and allow him to own her. Kane sighed as he wove along the road.

He had been in a strange mood for the past few days. The slightest wrong move from Stephanie had caused him to beat her and the slightest obedience caused him to reward her with love. Kane believed that a bit of leniency and softness wouldn’t destroy everything he had worked so hard to teach her. He loved her. Kane loved her with all his heart, but Stephanie brought out all of his barbaric tendencies and animalistic needs. ‘She knows we’re meant to be’ Kane thought as he sped down an open road, ‘she won’t leave me.’


Stephanie searched around the bedroom with sinking hopes. She was positive that she put her birth control in the bathroom in her make up drawer, not that she wore make up anymore. She rarely used to, but she wore a little on special occasions. ‘Where did I put it then?’ she wondered as she stood in the center of the bedroom, looking around. A frightening possibility suddenly dawned on her. She made her way down the stairs then into Kane’s study.

“Kane?” she said softly. Kane’s head raised then lowered after glancing at her. “What” he stated, continuing with his paper work for his bar. “I was wondering...have...have you seen my birth control? It’s not in the bathroom where I put it” she asked, her voice sounding so meek. Kane simply shook his head, “no, I haven’t seen it” Stephanie knew it was horrible to think such things, but she had a feeling that he was lying.

“Are you sure?” she asked, wrapping her arms around herself. “Stephanie...” he stated with a heavy sigh before looking over at her, “I don’t know where it is, just forget about it, you don’t need it,” Kane pushed his chair back and stood then walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“I think we should start a family” Kane whispered in her ear. Stephanie’s eyes widened at his words and she immediately slipped form his grasp to give him a look of disbelief. “Kane...we’re not ready for that...we’re not even married yet” she said softly, not wanting to anger him.

“we’ll go to Vegas tonight. Is that what you want? Why did you just tell me you wanted to hurry and get married?” Kane asked happily. Much to Stephanie’s horror. “Kane no...I mean...I need to think about this, can I please have some time?” she begged softly, her eyes over flowing with worry and fear. Kane’s expression darkened at her words.

“Time? Why the hell do you need time? We’re getting married so why not do it now?” Kane demanded, his voice rising with his anger. “I just...I’m not sure if...if we should...get married” she whispered as she took slow careful steps away from him. Kane’s eyes went wide when he heard her second thoughts. Stephanie screeched loudly when Kane backhanded her across her face, sending her hard to the ground.

“We ARE getting married Stephanie! You can have all the time you want to think, but after a few days, you’ll be screaming ‘I do’” Kane threatened as he towered over her. He then gripped her hair in his fist and yanked her to her feet. “Kane please...” Stephanie cried, tears streaming down her bruised face.

“Shut the hell up...from now on, you don’t say a word unless I tell you to, you will not do ANYTHING without my permission” Kane snarled before shoving her back onto the floor. Kane walked over, across the room, to the door and stood facing her.

“Now...you get on those hands and knees and crawl to me like the little bitch you are” Kane commanded, “and apologize for even THINKING of backing out of this marriage.” Stephanie whimpered as she tried to contain the sobs that desperately wanted to come out. Her body was quivering with both pain and fear as she pulled herself to her hands and knees. Slowly, she crawled across the room, the hard wood floor making her knees hurt.

“I’m...I’m sorry” she whispered, feeling sick at what she was doing. “Louder...APOLOGIZE!” Kane growled as his hands tightened into firsts at his sides. “I’m sorry Kane...I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry” she cried as she finally made it to him.

“Are you, now?” he asked softly, his eyebrows raised, “why don’t you show me just as sorry you are?” Kane grabbed her hair and pulled her up onto her knees in front of him. She knew what he wanted, but if this was the punishment that she had to receive for standing up for herself, then so be it.

Later on that night, Kane gently laid his unconscious fiancee into bed and tucked her in. He kissed her lips softly, then her forehead and wished her sweet dreams before leaving the room. Kane had put Stephanie through hell the entire day, forcing her to do things that degraded her in every way possible and satisfied him ultimately. Kane walked into his study and opened up the top right drawer.

“No more” he muttered as he lifted Stephanie’s pink case of birth control out. He walked out of his study and into the kitchen then popped open the case and started emptying all the pills into the sink. He was tired of waiting. He wanted Stephanie bound to him as soon as possible, and he knew it wouldn’t be long until she broke and agreed to continue with the wedding plans. He wanted to impregnate her so her leash was even tighter to him, and of course he wanted a loving family as a bonus. Once the case was empty, Kane tossed it in the garbage then headed back up stairs to watch his love sleep.


Jaslyn watched Kane and David rejoice at the wonderful news Jaslyn and David has just received. However, there was not as much happiness as there normally would be. This was the kind of news Jaslyn should be sharing with her best friend, her sister. ‘Not that I have one anymore’ she thought to herself sadly. Jaslyn was three weeks pregnant. She was absolutely thrilled by this, but a piece of her was mourning. She didn’t understand why Stephanie had said the things she had said, but that day, Jaslyn lost one of the most important things in her life, and she knew that Stephanie had felt the same.

‘Why the hell did she do it then? Why was is necessary to do something like that?’ Jaslyn thought bitterly. She sighed and shook her head. She couldn’t be worrying about such things and put her body through any stress, now that she had another life to care for and worry about. Jaslyn smiled when Glenn walked up to her and embraced her.

“Congratulations Jasy, you and David are gonna be wonderful parents” Glenn complimented as he smiled down at her. “Thank you honey, we’ll definitely try our best” Jaslyn replied softly. Glenn felt his mood decline a bit at the sound of her voice. He knew she was thinking about Stephanie. There had not been a moment in any day since she slammed the door in his face that he didn’t think about her. But he couldn’t. She wanted nothing to do with him, and he refused to crawl to her, pleading like a pathetic beggar.

“I shouldn’t miss her Glenn...not after what she did to us” Jaslyn whispered as tears welled in her eyes. “I know darlin...but you love her, you always will...we always will” Glenn replied before releasing her and cupping her face in his hands.

“You should just concentrate on your and David right now, along with that little bundle of joy you have growing inside you, leaving the worrying to me” Glenn stated with a soft smile, trying to lighten Jaslyn’s mood. She smiled slightly back at him. “You are like a mother hen, aren’t you” she stated. Glenn chuckled as David came around her from behind and enveloped her in his arms.

David was over joyed with the news that he was going to be a father, but it pained him to see the hurt in his wife’s eyes. He knew she missed Stephanie, and he hurt her so badly so think that Stephanie would just toss their friendship out the window. Something wasn’t right in his eyes, and he was sure Glenn felt the same way. But they were at an impasse. They could not just walk up to Kane’s house and demand that Stephanie explain to them what is going on.

‘Who knows...maybe she did mean it’ David thought sadly as he rested his chin on the top of Jaslyn’s head. “well I’m gonna get going” Glenn said with a soft sigh, “I have to get back to the gym and close up.” David and Jaslyn both said their goodbyes before Glenn took his leave. As he drove, Glenn couldn’t help but feel such frustration.

“How could she do this? After all this time of being so close, she just throws everything away?” Kane asked himself. His mind continued to tell him there was something that wasn’t right, however the other half continued to tell him to just let her go for good. Stephanie had made her own bed, and now she was most likely, lying in it comfortably.


Later that night, Stephanie tried to fight through the fog her mind was slowly being surrounded in. She was laying on the floor beside her and Kane’s bed. After letting her sleep there for a few hours, Kane had come to bed and moved her to the floor, telling her that she did not deserve to have the bed back yet after what she had said earlier. Silent tears streamed down her face as she curled up on the cold floor.

Her tiny body was shivering violently considering there was a slight draft coming through the closed window. ‘If he keeps this up’ Stephanie thought as her mind began to slowly slip away, ‘I don’t know how long I’ll be able to last before I have to give in.’

Chapter 28

Stephanie stared into the fire, curled up on the couch in a long sleeved shirt and her soft pajama pants. The snow fell heavily, but silently out side the windows, paving the world in it’s soft white blanket. Such a snow fall used to bring Stephanie and Glenn to the window of either her house or Glenn’s house to watch it fall, to laugh, to hold each other, to love one another even though neither of them told each other. Not with Kane however. Now as it grew colder outside, Kane’s heart was fading along with it.

Everything felt cold, her heart, her body, everything was sucked dry of it’s warmth. She glanced towards the corner of the room where every Christmas she planned to have a large brightly decorated Christmas tree. This Christmas, her eyes were met with a cold dark corner of the room. Their house was dark, no Christmas lights lining the roof or covering the bushes. The house was becoming a prison where no happiness would be aloud. There would be no happiness this holiday or any other holidays to come as long as Kane was the way he was.

It had been a month since Stephanie had told Kane her second thoughts of their marriage. For the first week after that, Kane had made Stephanie crawl everywhere around the house, sometimes forcing her to crawl to him over and over, apologizing until she collapsed from exhaustion. He had finally allowed her to stand and walk normally, but he had increased the amount and brutality of when he raped her. Stephanie didn’t seem worried of getting pregnant however. She knew that the amount of stress and the amount of beatings her body was enduring, there was a very slim chance that Kane’s seed would take root in her womb.

Silent tears slid down Stephanie’s pale face. She was losing weight, losing hope, losing her joyful free spirit. Once again, her mind shifted it’s path to Glenn. Her first lover, her best and dearest friend, the man she now knew she should have never left. Stephanie knew that she loved Glenn, but she had been too stubborn and stupid to open her eyes and realize it.

‘Now look where you are...look at you’ her mind whispered to her. Stephanie lifted her hand to run over the dark bruises which still marred her face as well as the healing cut on her lower lip. Her knees were still horribly bruised from the abuse they had taken from her week of crawling.

She felt such despair drowning her, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold her head above it to breathe. A scream of agony was torn from Stephanie’s throat as she tossed her head back and clutched her knees to her chest. Hysterical sobs racked through her tiny frame, making her tremble as she released her sorrow which was pent up inside her.

She flung her head forward and buried her face between her knees as she cried. It took her a while before she could finally compose herself. She raised her head, a somber expression adorning her face as she slid from the couch and made her way to the kitchen. Stephanie stood for five long minutes in front of the utensil drawer, just staring at it before she slowly slid it open, reached in, and pulled out a newly sharpened steak knife.

“No more” she whispered in a voice that was barely audible. She turned and made her way out of the kitchen then up the stairs and into her and Kane’s bedroom. Stephanie climbed onto the bed and sat down on Kane’s side.

“Any blood I spill...it’s on him” she whimpered softly as tears continued to stream down her face. She lifted the blade in her right hand and rested against her left wrist as she closed her eyes. She squeezed her eyes tighter when she saw Glenn’s smiling face enter her mind’s eye. She pressed the blade a bit harder against her wrist, willing herself to do it.

‘Do it! You have nothing else to live for. Just end your pain!’ she demanded herself as she continued to cry. Stephanie jumped violently when she heard the front door slam shut, causing her to inadvertently nick herself with the blade. She looked towards the door with rising fear as she jumped off the bed and ran to press her back against the far wall. She quickly wiped away the very tiny stream of blood from her small cut before Kane pushed open their bedroom door and stepped inside.

“What are you doing?” Kane asked flatly as he kicked off his boots, not yet looking at her. Stephanie stood there, holding the knife against her left wrist once again, her entire body trembling. Kane glanced over at her from her lack of response and his eyes immediately widened.

“What the hell are you doing?” he shouted as he moved towards her. “STOP!” Stephanie screamed, holding the knife harder against her wrist. Kane abruptly stopped, staring down at her, wondering what made her suddenly snap. “Why are you doing this?” he demanded. “Because of you...everything you do to me. Why do you have to hurt me? Why do you hate me? If you hate me so much then why marry me? I love you Kane...I always have...I never wanted any of this to happen!” Stephanie shouted, tears pooling in her eyes.

“Stephanie, I don’t hate you and you damn well know it. I love you” he stated gruffly. Stephanie shook her head, lowering it as tears screamed down her face and her throat tightened as she tried to hold everything inside. Kane took that opportunity to easily, and safely, knock the knife out of her hands and grab her, securely pulling her against his chest. “If you would just behave yourself, then none of this shit would happen Stephanie! You wouldn’t need to be punished!” Kane shouted, shaking her for emphasis. Stephanie looked up into his eyes, her’s swollen and red from crying.

“Can’t you see...” Stephanie whispered as she clutched the front of his shirt, “you make me wish I were dead.” Kane averted his eyes from her’s, not wanting to look at the pain in her eyes.

“Fine then” he said as he dragged her over to the closet. He bent over and pulled out her sneakers then continued to drag her out of their bedroom then down the stairs. He tossed her shoes onto the floor near her feet and pulled his car keys out of his back pocket and shoved them in her hand. “There, then leave. If I make you so god damn miserable, then get out” he stated angrily, not appreciating the defiance Stephanie was giving him.

“NO! I don’t want to leave you! Why can’t you just be the way you were when we were first together? Do you even remember those days? The way you would hold me and love me?” Stephanie shouted, desperate to make him see as she shoved the keys against his chest. Kane grabbed the keys and shoved them back in her hand then pushed her towards the door.

“GO!” Kane yelled. “NO!” Stephanie shouted back, slamming her foot against the floor in a fit of frustration, “I’m NOT leaving! Stop being an asshole and look at what your doing to us!”. Kane glared hatefully at her as he took the keys away form her, grabbed her roughly by the arm, then pulled open the front door.

“If you can’t obey me then FINE! Get the hell out of my sight! You’ll sit out here until I let you come back in!” Kane shouted before shoving her out the door onto the porch. He tossed her shoes out with her then slammed the door shut behind him. Tears slid down her face as she stared at the closed door. She quickly pulled on her sneakers as the cold winter air nipped at her body. She crossed her arms over her chest and lowered her head against the slight wind as she walked down the porch then down the driveway.

She sniffled and began softly crying as she made her way down the road, her body beginning to shiver violently from the cold. She wore only a long sleeved shirt, sleep pants, and her sneakers which was a shallow attempt to keep warm with. Stephanie tried to quicken her pace as she walked down the snow covered road, some snow getting inside her shoes as she walked. Stephanie couldn’t remember a time where she felt colder than that moment, cold all over her body, and cold down to her heart.



Glenn headed into the kitchen to make dinner, not even sure of what he wanted yet, but he knew no matter where he searched throughout the kitchen, he was looking for Stephanie. “Your going nuts my friend” he muttered to himself. Glenn perked up when he heard a soft knock on his front door.

“Who the hell is out in this snow storm” he mumbled as he walked out of the kitchen then into the living room to open the front door. Glenn’s eyes widened when they locked onto a pair of cold, almost distant, emerald eyes.

“Glenn...” Stephanie whispered, her face very pale and her lips different shades of blue and purple.

“Stephanie...dear God” he whispered as he took a step towards her. He was horrified by the large bruise on her face and the cut on her lower lip. Stephanie wanted to jump into Glenn’s arms and hold him forever, but the next thing she knew, her world slipped away.

Glenn immediately caught Stephanie in his arms as she fainted. He cuddled her into his arms and slammed the door shut, locking it securely. He then rushed up the stairs, into his bedroom, then into the bathroom.

“We have to get you warm” Glenn whispered as he gently laid her down on the bathroom floor. He turned on the water in the tub and plugged the drain, but made sure to only make the water warm, not hot. Hot water and a cold body did not go well together since the water could send her into shock. Glenn carefully stripped off Stephanie’s clothes and could see how purple and blue her skin was.

“God, your so luck you didn’t freeze to death” Glenn scolded her gently. As he gently scooped her up and placed her in the water, Glenn didn’t miss the dark bruises on her body. He wasn’t stupid, he could tell the difference between bruises and the discoloration caused from the weather. His blood boiled at the thought of Kane hurting her, and he itched to run over there and kill his brother with his bare hands.

“What did he do to you, Steph...” Glenn whispered as he gently ran his finger tips over the bruises on her knees which were severely dark. Glenn vowed then and there, that he would never let any harm befall this girl ever again, no matter what it took to keep her safe. As her body warmed, Glenn increased the temperature of the water until a comfortable steam swirled around the room.

Stephanie’s eyes slowly fluttered open then closed as she let the feeling of such hot, wonderful water surround her. The last thing she remembered was being cold, so very cold, freezing. But if that was what she remembered, then why was she so warm now? Stephanie’s eyes opened once again and she felt her heart explode at the sight of Glenn beside her, leaning over the tub to look into her eyes.

“Please...don’t hate me...I’m sorry Glenn...please” Stephanie begged softly as she moved to sit up. “Shhhh, it’s okay Stephanie, lay back down. Don’t worry about anything right now, let’s just worry about making sure your alright” Glenn cooed gently. Stephanie looked down at her body and saw all the terrible bruises marring her skin. They were very clear now that her skin was back to it’s normal color.

“Don’t look at me...I’m ugly” she whimpered softly as she pulled her knees to her chest and turned her face away, remembering the bruise and cut from Kane hitting her. “Stephanie, you are most beautiful woman in this world...nothing could ever change that. What Kane has done to you is ugly, hideous, not you” Glenn said softly as he tucked Stephanie’s hair behind her ear. She slowly turned her head back to him and looked into his eyes.

“Why don’t you agree? Why don’t you hurt me like I hurt you? I know I hurt you...I deserved what I got for the things I said to you” Stephanie stated softly, finding it hard to keep eye contact with him. “No...I know you didn’t mean them...I could see it in your eyes” Glenn said as he reached out and slowly stroked her damp hair. Stephanie immediately flinched away from his hand, but felt his soft caress and softly nuzzled his hand, loving his touch.

“I didn’t mean anything Glenn...I didn’t mean anything to Jaslyn either, I HAVE to tell her” she whispered as tears began to stream from her eyes, such sadness in her voice that it brought a lump into Glenn’s throat. He swallowed passed it and nodded, “once your warm, fed, and in bed, we’ll call Jaslyn and David, I promise.” Stephanie nodded and placed her quivering hand over his which still stroked her hair. She brought it to rest on her cheek despite the bruise, then kissed his palm.

“You’ve never broken a promise to me...you don’t hate me and you never gave up on me...why?” Stephanie whispered. Glenn felt his heart swell as she held his hand and kissed his palm. “Because I love you” he whispered back with a smile, “I knew you would never say those things to me and Jaslyn...I knew Kane had everything to do with it. No matter what happens Steph, I’m always going to love you.” Stephanie’s grip tightened on his hand as more tears slid down her face.

“Glenn...I... Stephanie’s courage faltered in mid sentence, “I’m warm now and I can get out but, what am I going to wear?” Glenn smiled and moved to grab a towel for her to wrap herself in. “I have some clothes that you left here from the times you’ve slept over” he said as Stephanie stood on shaky legs. Glenn immediately wrapped her up then scooped her in his arms and carried her into the bedroom.

“I can walk” she said softly even as she snuggled against him. He chuckled as he moved to the drawer to grab her a pair of panties, sweat pants, and one of his large shirts. “I know, but I like carrying you, you know that” he replied as he sat her down on his bed. “You get dressed, I’ll go down stairs and start dinner” Glenn said before moving towards the door.

“NO!” Stephanie shouted before getting off the bed and throwing herself into his arms, “please don’t leave me!” Glenn tightly embraced her tiny, quivering body as he whispered “shhhh, it’s okay honey, alright I won’t leave, I’ll stay with you, then you can come down with me.” Normally, Stephanie would think she was being ridiculous, but she never wanted to be away from Glenn again, not after everything she had gone through with Kane. Then it dawned on her. Kane had told her to stay on the porch until he would let her come in, and she had left.

‘I can’t stay here long’ she thought as Glenn carried her back to the bed to help her dry off and dress, ‘Kane’ll come after Glenn...he’ll hurt Jaslyn and I can’t let that happen.’ Once Stephanie was dried off and dressed, Glenn scooped her up once again and carried her down to the kitchen where he sat her down on the counter. “What would you like sweetheart?” Glenn asked as he rested his hands on the counter, one on either side of her. Stephanie gave him a confused look.

“I can choose?” she asked. “Of course you can” Glenn replied with his own confusion, “why would I choose what you eat?” Stephanie bit her bottom lip and stared at the floor. “Kane chooses what I eat” she stated. Glenn tried to keep calm at her words, even though he ached to kill his brother. “Not in this house and not with me. You choose anything you want” Glenn replied before kissing her forehead softly. Stephanie smiled and stated happily “spaghetti...your famous spaghetti.” Glenn laughed then nodded.

“You got it girly, Glenn’s Famous Spaghetti coming right up!” Glenn stated dramatically, making Stephanie giggle adorably. “There’s my girl, I see her now” Glenn stated as he tapped the tip of her nose and looked into her sparkling eyes. Those eyes were beginning to regain some life in them, but every time Kane entered her mind, they went back to their dead, lifeless green that they had come to be for the past few months.

After Glenn made dinner and they ate, Stephanie felt so warm and comfortably full. “Time to call Jaslyn” Glenn said as he carried their dishes into the kitchen. Stephanie was eager to talk to her, eager to mend everything, but there was a fear, a deep black fear in her heart that Jaslyn would not forgive her. Glenn dialed there number then handed her the phone. Stephanie listened to it ring as Glenn carried her into the living room and sat her down on the couch.

“Hello?” Jaslyn’s voice answered. “H...hello” Stephanie said softly, “it’s me Jas.” Jaslyn froze when she heard Stephanie’s voice over the line. ‘Could it really be her?’ Jaslyn thought as she slowly sat down on her bed, needing to be secure.

“Jaslyn...please, you have to believe me, I didn’t want to say what I said...I never meant any of it. Kane threatened you, I couldn’t let anything happen to you just so I could stand up for myself. I’d rather take the beatings he gave me every day of my life then have him come near you. Jaslyn, I love you, and you mean the world to me...please...please don’t hate me” Stephanie stated as she began to cry, her chest rising and falling heavily from her erratic breathing. Jaslyn was sobbing softly, desperately trying to take in everything Stephanie was saying to her.

“You told me you meant everything, how do I know your not lying?” Jaslyn whispered, the pain almost too great to bare. “I’m with Glenn...in his house. I told him the truth about what happened between me and him, I would never end our friendship for a man...I had no choice, it was either I ended out friendship, or Kane would come after you. I know you have David to protect you...but Kane can get to anyone, he can get in your head, then get to you...I just couldn’t let anything happen to you Jas” Stephanie explained, trying to stay calm long enough to tell Jaslyn the truth. Jaslyn felt her heart clench as she listened and she could tell Stephanie was telling her the truth by the desperation in her voice. ‘That BASTARD! How could he use me as leverage to keep her with him!’ Jaslyn’s mind shouted. She wanted to run to Kane’s house and kill him in his sleep for what he had done to her best friend...her sister.

“I don’t hate you...I love you Stephanie, I have to see you” she demanded. Stephanie cried out when she heard Jaslyn’s words and began to sob. “Yes...p-please, I n-need to see you t-too” Stephanie sobbed as she clutched the phone. Jaslyn told her that her and David would be over there soon, then they exchanged ‘I love you’s’ then goodbyes. Stephanie hung up the phone then immediately climbed into Glenn’s lap and held him tightly.

“She doesn’t hate me!” Stephanie whispered as she clung to him. Glenn smiled and rocked her gently. “Of course she doesn’t hate you” Glenn cooed as he stroked her hair and her back lovingly. Stephanie snuggled into his warmth and love and let his words and caresses relax her.

Glenn and Jaslyn both still loved her and believed her of what Kane had made her to do them. Her life was beginning to look up...for now.


Chapter 29

Glenn stood when the door bell rang then hurried to answer it. “where is she!” Jaslyn demanded before the door was even fully open. Glenn pointed towards the couch and Jaslyn darted towards Stephanie who was already running towards her. “I’m so sorry! Jaslyn I’m so sorry” Stephanie sobbed as she held her best friend in a vise grip. Jaslyn’s hook her head as she held her tightly, tears streaming down her face.

“No no, shhhh, it’s okay Steph. Everything is okay” Jaslyn cried as she rocked Stephanie gently. Glenn and David stood near the door, watching the girls reunite. “She never wanted to admit it, but Jaslyn was miserable without Steph” David stated softly. Glenn nodded in understanding as he watched the girls cry together.

“Steph was miserable without all of us...now we have her back” Glenn replied. “You know for fact that Kane’ll come looking for her” David said as he turned Glenn to face him. Glenn sighed and lowered his gaze to the floor then raised it to David’s eyes. “I know...and I’ll do anything to keep him away from her” Glenn stated, such a determined look in his eyes. Glenn and David then ushered the girls over to the couch so they could sit comfortably and talk then walked into the kitchen to give them privacy.

“Jas...I love you, and I’m sorry I said everything that I said, I didn’t mean any of it. Kane made me...” Stephanie cried softly as she held Jaslyn tightly to her still. Jaslyn stroked her back and hair as she held her just as tight. “Steph, I know...it’s okay. No worries, angelface” Jaslyn cooed as she lifted Stephanie’s face to look into her eyes. Stephanie felt so overwhelmed and relieved that Jaslyn wasn’t angry at her and did not hate her.

“I’ve missed you” Stephanie whispered as she looked deep into her best friends amber eyes. Jaslyn smiled and kissed Stephanie’s forehead, “I missed you too honey, like crazy.” They sat there for a few minutes, just making sure that the other was truly there. “Steph, I have to tell you something” Jaslyn stated as she pulled back and took Stephanie’s hands in her’s. Stephanie was not nervous by her words since Jaslyn looked so happy, so she knew whatever her friend was about to tell her, it was good news.

“Tell me” Stephanie prompted when Jaslyn halted. Jaslyn took a deep breath before finally saying “I’m pregnant.” Stephanie’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped at her words. She looked down at her friends stomach then back up to her eyes. “You’re...you’re gonna have a baby?” Stephanie whispered, the shock taking over her. Jaslyn nodded enthusiastically, a smile permanently on her lips. Stephanie squealed and threw her arms around her friend, hugging her tightly.

“Sweetheart that’s so wonderful!” she exclaimed then pulled back. “I didn’t hurt you did I?” Stephanie asked, her face of pure alarm. “No no honey, it’s very very tiny and just starting to grow, so no worries” Jaslyn assured. Stephanie nodded then hugged her again, completely thrilled that her best friend was going to be a mother.


Glenn paced in the kitchen beside David, both of them lost in their thoughts as to how to keep Kane out of all of their lives. “Can’t we just have the police arrest his ass?” David growled, completely frustrated. Glenn shook his head, “if they arrested him, they would need Stephanie as a complaining witness, but I don’t think Stephanie can handle something like that so soon.”

“Well damn it, we have to do something. He can’t just threaten her forever. I don’t even want to think about the things he’s probably already done to her” David stated, cringing at the thought. Glenn sighed heavily and ran his hands over his face. The thought of Kane touching her in both a sexual and harmful way made him sick to his stomach.

“We’ll get him, don’t you worry. I’m not resting until his ass is in jail” Glenn vowed as he glanced towards the living room. David chuckled softly when he heard Stephanie squeal. “Well I guess she knows about the baby” David stated, smiling. Glenn was thrilled for his friends that they would be starting a family. There was a new glint in David’s eyes every time he looked at Jaslyn or mentioned the baby she was carrying. Glenn and David headed into the living room then sat down on the couch, Glenn beside Stephanie and David beside Jaslyn. Stephanie immediately crawled into Glenn’s lap and curled up into his arms, as did Jaslyn.

“Steph, are you cold?” Glenn asked when he felt her shivering a bit. “I’m okay” she replied softly. Glenn sighed and shook his head, “Stephanie, if your cold, tell me, I’ll turn up the heat. You know you don’t have to hide anything anymore or be afraid to tell me something.” Stephanie nodded at his words, even though she knew she would still keep quiet about such things. Kane never liked when she complained or asked him to do something, so she learned to just be quiet and deal with things that bothered her. Glenn slid the blanket off the back of the couch then wrapped it around Stephanie’s tiny body.

“There, better” he murmured against the top of her head before kissing it softly. Stephanie sighed in contentment and snuggled more into his warmth. “Are you warm enough baby? Are you hungry or anything?” David asked as he held his wife tightly in his arms. Jaslyn giggled softly and shook her head.

“I’m fine sweetheart, don’t worry about me. If I’m hungry, you’ll know” she assured him. The moment David had found out that his wife was pregnant, he went into protective mode. He was constantly making sure Jaslyn was happy, warm, comfortable, and full. It had not become annoying to Jaslyn yet, but she had a feeling within the months to come, his questions would drive her mad. However, that simply made her love him more. She was so happy that David didn’t reject the coming of their first child and was just as thrilled as she. The four of them sat on the couch, talking and laughing, but David, Glenn, and Jaslyn could tell Stephanie was still holding herself back.

“It’s getting pretty late Jasy, think we should head home?” David whispered in Jaslyn’s ear. She let out a big yawn then nodded. “I think we should” she agreed. Stephanie and Jaslyn walked to the door together then embraced tightly. “I’ll see you tomorrow angelface, we need more time than this together” Jaslyn said as she slowly released her best friend. Stephanie nodded at her words and agreed, even though she was not sure whether or not she would still be there come the next morning.

David was next to hug Stephanie tightly. “I’ll kill him one of these days” he whispered in her ear. Stephanie smiled softly up at him and nodded. “I know how you feel” she whispered back. David kissed the top of her head before ushering her back into Glenn’s arms. Everyone said their last goodbyes for the night before David and Jaslyn left to return home.

“Let’s get to bed, you need your sleep sweetheart” Glenn suggested as he scooped Stephanie up into his arms. “Okay” she said softly as she tucked her head underneath his chin. Glenn smiled and tightened his hold on her as he walked up the stairs then into his bedroom. He loved the feel of her little body in his arms. Glenn laid her down under the covers then tucked her in before standing back to strip off his clothes down to his boxers. He climbed into bed and Stephanie immediately slid over to him and clung to him. Stephanie rested her head on Glenn’s shoulder and wrapped her legs around his body.

“Glenn I have to tell you something” Stephanie said softly, looking up into Glenn’s eyes. “What is it?” Glenn asked as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to his side. Stephanie took a deep breath, gathering as much courage as she could find within her and decided that it was now or never.

“Glenn...I...I love you. I always have and I always will. I should never have been with Kane in the first place and I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you. Everything I got from Kane, I deserved. I love you Glenn with all my heart” Stephanie said, pouring her heart out to him as she looked up into his beautiful blue eyes. Glenn stared at Stephanie in complete shock as he let her words sink into his mind. “You...you love me?” Glenn asked, his voice quiet. Stephanie nodded with tears sparkling in her eyes.

“Yes Glenn, I love you...so so much” she replied as she tried to keep the shakiness out of her voice. Glenn felt his heart explode with such happiness at her words as he pulled her to lay on top of him, a huge smile on his face. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear those words” Glenn whispered as he wrapped his arms around her and ran his fingers through her hair. Glenn looked deep into her eyes, dying to kiss her, but he held himself in place so he wouldn’t scare her away.

“Kiss me Glenn...please” she whispered, her eyes pleading. Glenn immediately pulled her down to him, capturing her lips in a passionate, heated kiss that left them both breathless and dizzy. Stephanie wrapped her arms tightly around Glenn’s neck and held him close as she parted her lips for him. Glenn delved his tongue into her mouth and stroked her’s with all the love he had in his heart. Their tongues battled gently in a sensual dance as Glenn’s hands combed through her hair and stroked her back. Glenn finally broke the kiss to they could both catch their breaths and pressed his forehead to her’s.

“I love you so much Stephanie. It’s so amazing to have you back in my arms” he whispered. Stephanie held down the tears that threatened to well in her eyes with both her happiness and misery. “I love you too Glenn. You were my first love, and from now on you’ll be my only love” she whispered as she caught her breath. Glenn dearly wanted to make love to her, but he knew it was not the right time. Stephanie needed time to heal from the things Kane had done to her. He rolled over and laid her beside him, laying her with half of her body still laying on him. Stephanie cuddled as close to him as she could, not wanting to feel alone in any way, shape, or form.

“Sweet dreams angel” Glenn whispered before kissing her forehead repeatedly. “Sweet dreams love” Stephanie whispered back before closing her eyes and tucking her head under Glenn’s chin. Glenn rubbed her back gently until he felt her breathing even out. ‘Now she can heal’ Glenn thought to himself before finally giving himself over to a peaceful sleep.


Stephanie’s eyes slowly fluttered open a few hours later. She peered over at the clock and saw it was five in the morning. She looked up at Glenn and saw his beautiful face peacefully sleeping.

‘Why are you going to do this Stephanie?’ she asked herself as she carefully slipped out of the bed. She knew Kane would come looking for her. She didn’t want to leave Glenn after she finally told him her feelings. She loved the sound of Glenn telling her that he loved her. It warmed her heart so wonderfully.

‘I have no choice...it’s either I stay here and Kane goes after Glenn or Jaslyn...or I can go back to him and keep them safe...as well as myself’ she thought to herself before doing a full body shiver. She was deathly afraid of what Kane had said to her. She knew that Kane would not hesitate to kill her if he ever found out that she was with Glenn. Stephanie walked over to Glenn’s side of the bed and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

“I love you Glenn” she whispered before slipping out of the bedroom. She wrote Glenn a quick note and left it on the table before calling the nearest cab company. Stephanie slipped on her jacket and her sneakers then stood in the living room, pacing, as she waited for the taxi.

By the time six o’clock rolled around, Stephanie was standing outside Kane’s house. She made her way up the porch and let silent tears slide down her cheeks as she opened the front door, stepped inside, then closed it behind her.

Chapter 30

Stephanie silently locked the front door behind her then turned to head for the stairs, and immediately froze. Kane was sitting in a chair directly twenty feet away from the door with his elbows on his knees, staring at her. “Well well well...look who’s home” Kane stated, his voice so quiet that Stephanie almost missed his words. Stephanie immediately lowered her gaze to the floor and stood with her hands folded in front of her, not wanting to anger him more than she already obviously had. Kane slowly stood then took his time approaching her.

“Where were you?” he demanded, his loud voice making Stephanie flinch. “I went somewhere to keep warm” she whispered in response. Kane growled loudly before slapping her across the face with such force. Stephanie screeched and fell to the floor. She clutched her cheek as intense pain exploded through her head and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“You went to Glenn didn’t you? DIDN’T YOU?” Kane growled as he stood over her. Stephanie nodded her head frantically as she sobbed, her body curling up into a ball on the hard wood floor. Kane snarled as he whipped around and headed into the kitchen then came back moments later. Stephanie’s eyes widened in horror and she began to back peddle away from him. Kane held the long, sharp knife in his hand as he lunged at her, grabbing her by her hair and pulling her to her feet. “Kane please” Stephanie cried as she clutched his hand that held her.

“SHUT THE HELL UP! You are MY fiancee DAMN IT! Did you let him fuck you senseless? Huh? Were you his little slut?” Kane shouted as he yanked and dragged her towards the stairs then up them.


Glenn’s eyes slowly opened then quickly shut when the sunlight shined into his eyes. He yawned as he rolled over to pull Stephanie back into his arms, but was met by a cold pillow. Glenn sat up and looked around the room, not feeling very comfortable with the thick, deafening silence.

“Stephanie?” Glenn called out as he pushed the covers off him. He became even more uneasy when there was no answer. He stood and checked the bathroom but found it empty. “Stephanie!” he exclaimed as he walked quickly out of the room then down the stairs. He searched the living room, kitchen, and even the basement but Stephanie was no where to be found.

“Damn it, where are you?” Glenn whispered harshly as he continued his search. Glenn walked passed the kitchen once again, then paused and walked in. There was a little piece of paper laying on the table that he had missed with his first frantic search. He immediately picked it up and read over it.

Glenn my love,

I know that you are probably looking for me right now, but don’t. I have to keep you and Jaslyn safe and there is no way I will EVER let Kane come near either of you. I love you Glenn with all my heart. I’m breaking the engagement off with him, but I have to stay with him. Don’t come after me Glenn. Be happy, and be safe. Once again, I love you Glenn Jacobs, forever.

Love always
Stephanie

Glenn growled and slammed the note onto the table. “DAMN IT!” he growled as he rushed out of the kitchen then up the stair case to his room. Glenn dressed as quickly as he could then grabbed his keys and hurried out of his house. “She’s mine, Kane!” Glenn shouted as he climbed into his truck, “and now you’ll never touch her again!”

Stephanie coughed as Kane held her against their bedroom wall by her throat, his other hand occupied by the knife. “Admit it! Admit you cheated on me with Glenn!” Kane demanded, his voice rising by the minute. Stephanie clawed at his hand viciously, desperately trying to gain a few breaths. Kane squeezed her throat tighter as he glared down at her.

“I love you Stephanie, why would you do this to me!” he growled before yanked her away from the wall and tossing her to the floor. “I should kill you, Stephanie. If not then I should at least throw you in that cage in the basement for a WEEK!” Kane growled as he taunted her, following her as she tried to crawl to the door.

“Please...Kane...please stop” Stephanie begged before she went into a coughing fit, still trying to catch her breath. “Come on Stephanie, I know you can beg better than that” Kane stated casually as he pulled her up to her feet by her hair. “Get your hands off her!” a deep threatening voice growled from the bedroom door way.

Kane immediately pulled Stephanie into his arms and held the blade to her throat as they both stared at Glenn who stood ominously in the doorway. He was desperate to lunge at his brother and beat him to death, but the sight of a knife held to Stephanie’s throat stopped his advance.

“What the hell are you doing here? Come back for more of my fiancee? Ya didn’t fuck her enough while you had her?” Kane shouted, his grip on Stephanie tightening. “Let her go” Glenn growled as he entered the room. Kane chuckled and smirked at his brother.

“I don’t think so, this is mine, NOT yours!” Kane snarled as he pressed the cold steal harder against Stephanie’s neck. Her entire body was quivering as she held herself deathly still. She was looking at Glenn with such sorrow in her eyes. She had specifically told Glenn in the note she left him to stay home and be safe, but now here he was, in harms way. Yet, somewhere deep inside her, she was incredibly grateful to have him there.

“Please” she whispered to Glenn, tears streaming down her face. Kane yanked back on her hair, causing her to cry out as he demanded her to keep quiet. “You’re a big man, huh? Do you feel good when you beat the hell out of someone who’s a third your size? A woman?” Glenn growled as he took a few slow and careful steps forward.

“I don’t beat her, I teach her the lessons that she HAS to be taught damn it! If she was with you, she’d be doing whatever the hell she wants. No...she can’t. Stephanie belongs to me. I love her and she loves me. Come on sweetheart, show Glenn just how much you love me” Kane stated heatedly, directing his attention from his brother to his fiancee, “get on your knees.”

Stephanie squeezed her eyes closed, ready to refuse him, then remembered the rather large and deadly object that was pressed extremely close to the life flowing vein in her neck. Stephanie averted her eyes form Glenn to the floor and slowly lowered herself onto her knees. “Stephanie get up” Glenn pleaded as he looked down at her, needing to run to her.

Tears continued to fall as she stared at the floor, wishing she did not have to obey Kane’s commands. It was either she would suffer a bit of humiliation and degradation, or Kane could slit her throat. Kane pressed the blade harder against her throat and snarled down at her “now be a good girl.” Stephanie’s eyes widened at his words, knowing exactly what he meant by those words. She chanced a glance at Glenn then squeezed her eyes closed and dropped her head.

“Kane...I...can’t” Stephanie whispered, almost silently. Kane gripped a fistful of her hair with his free hand and yanked her head back to glare down into her eyes. “DAMN IT! You KNOW that when I TELL you to do something, YOU DO IT!” Kane shouted as he jerked on her hair a few more times. Stephanie had tears streaming down her face by that time and Glenn was dying to lunge at him, but Stephanie’s precious life was hanging in the balance. There was no time to make a stupid mistake. Stephanie slid her hand up Kane’s thigh then began stroking him through his jeans with extreme reluctance.

“That’s my girl” Kane moaned as he tilted his head back slightly, still keeping his eye on Glenn. “Stephanie please!” Glenn shouted, begging her to stop, “damn it Kane!” Glenn’s hands were fisted so hard, his knuckles were pure white. Kane smirked at his brother. “Come on Glenn, you know you want her to do this to you. Hey, just calm down, and you can have a piece” Kane offered, an evil smile spreading across his face. Glenn’s eyes widened at his words.

“YOU SICK BASTARD!” Glenn bellowed as he took a few steps forward. Stephanie let out a blood curdling scream as Kane dragged the blade across her throat, not with much strength, but enough to draw blood.

“Move any closer, and I finish her” Kane growled, his tone so threatening that Glenn did not doubt his words for a moment. Stephanie took a few deep breaths to calm herself, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she started panting, her fear and pain overriding her finally. Without thinking of anything but getting away from Kane and into Glenn’s arms, Stephanie slid her hand down his thigh then swung her arm up with all the strength she possessed, hitting him between his legs as hard as she could.

Kane growled as he dropped the knife then fell to his knees, holding himself with his free hand as his other hand continued to grip Stephanie’s hair. Glenn immediately lunged at his brother, kicking the knife out of his reach then punching him as hard as possible right in his face. Kane’s grip faltered and he finally released Stephanie. Glenn gently pushed Stephanie out of harms way before jumping on top of Kane. Glenn proceeded to take out every ounce of anger and frustration that had been built up inside of him since the day Kane walked back into his life and into Stephanie’s. “This is for everything you’ve done to her!” Glenn bellowed as he pounded away at his brothers face and chest, “Never again!”

Stephanie held her throat, trying to stop the bleeding as she crawled towards the door, her entire body racked with pain. She leaned against the wall and watched as Glenn punched Kane repeatedly in his face and his body. Stephanie closed her eyes and slumped against the wall, wanting to sleep so she could not longer feel the pain.

“Stephanie? Steph, wake up, time to go home” Glenn whispered in her ear as he carefully lifted her up into his arms. Stephanie’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled softly when she found herself looking into Glenn’s beautiful blue eyes. “Home?” she whispered.

“Yes baby, time to go home” he said softly before carrying her out of Kane’s bedroom. Stephanie caught a glimpse of an unconscious Kane laying on the floor, blood seeping from his forehead. “Wait” Stephanie whispered before slipping out of his arms. She moved slowly back into the room then over to her unconscious fiancee. She stood beside him and slowly slid her engagement ring from her finger then kneeled down and placed the ring on his chest.

“It’s over Kane, I can’t do this anymore” she whispered before turning and walking into Glenn’s arms. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her out of the room then down the stairs. He snatched a blanket off the couch and wrapped it around Stephanie before leaving the house and putting her safely in the car. They immediately drove to Glenn’s house and began packing their bags. Glenn placed Stephanie in a hot bath, insisting that she wash up and relax in the tub. Stephanie was more than eager to oblige.

It took Glenn another few minutes to be able to walk back into the bedroom and leave Stephanie in the tub. She refused to let go of him, not wanting him away from her for a moment. He promised her he would leave the door open and stay in her sight, but it was important for him to make this phone call. She finally agreed. Glenn picked up the phone when he walked into the room and dialed the only person that he could think of for help.

“Hello?”

“Mark, it’s Glenn” Glenn said as he sat down on the edge of his bed. “Glenn? Man I know we haven’t talked in a while but don’t you remember that I’m not a damn morning person?” Mark groaned as he sat up in bed, reclining against the headboard. “I’m sorry man, I know you’re not, but I need a favor, a huge favor” Glenn stated. He then proceed to tell Mark a short summary of what’s been going on between Kane, Stephanie, and himself.

“Jesus...well what the hell are you gonna do?” Mark asked as he ran a hand through his long auburn hair, his deep emerald eyes shining with such concern. “Well that’s where you come in. Would Stephanie and I be able to stay with you for a few days?” Glenn asked, feeling horrible for having to impose on Mark at such a short notice.

“You two can stay with me as long as ya need to” Mark stated without hesitation, his southern accent kicking in. Glenn and Mark talked for a bit longer, making plans for their new arrangements before they finally said their goodbyes then hung up. Glenn made his way into the bathroom then sat down on the floor beside the tub. Stephanie immediately laid her head on his shoulder and curled into a ball beside him. Glenn stroked her damp hair and placed kisses on her forehead repeatedly.

“No worries sweetheart, we’re gonna pack our stuff, and we’re going to stay with Mark for a little while until all of this is settled” Glenn told her softly. Stephanie looked up into his eyes, trying to process what he had just said to her. “Mark?” she asked softly. Stephanie and Mark had the same last name, however there was no relation between them, even though they looked a tad similar with their red hair and emerald green eyes. The greatest difference between them was the sleeves of tattoos Mark had covering both of his arms from wrist to shoulder. Stephanie had always been fond of him considering he was such a loveable person. Mark was a very tough redneck, but he had always been a big teddy bear.

“We’re staying with Mark?” she asked softly, then smiled when Glenn nodded his head. Stephanie sighed softly and laid her head back down on Glenn’s shoulder. Things sounded as though they might just get better. Stephanie just prayed that they could finally escape Kane and she could be happily and safely wrapped up in Glenn’s arms forever.

Chapter 31

Glenn packed up their things as fast as possible then called Jaslyn and David to inform them what had happened and where they were going. Once he was positive that everyone was caught up to speed, he called the nearest airline and booked the next flight to Houston, Texas.

“I’m scared” Stephanie stated softly to Glenn. They were both on the plane, buckled in, and relaxing as the plane steadied after the turbulence. Glenn slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him to hold her. “Of what sweetheart?” Glenn asked before kissing her forehead softly.

“What if Kane finds where we are?” she whispered warily, as if everyone was listening and would go screaming to Kane where they were headed. Glenn looked up when the ‘fasten seat belt’ like turned off then unbuckled his belt as well as Stephanie’s and pulled her closer into his arms.

“Steph, only Jaslyn and David know where we are, as well as Mark of course, but none of them would tell Kane, so how would he know sweetheart?” Glenn asked as he stroked her hair gently. Stephanie sighed and snuggled against him. “He wouldn’t” he replied meekly. Glenn smiled and kissed her forehead softly once again.

“Don’t worry Steph, Kane can’t find you. Kane may be smart, but he’s not smart enough to find us without any kind of trail. Rest ” Glenn tried to assure her. Stephanie nodded and closed her eyes. ‘Just rest, you’re going to see Mark and stay with him. You’ll be safe’ Stephanie told herself. Stephanie and Glenn both situated themselves comfortably before letting sleep take over them.

Stephanie was curled up in Glenn’s arms in the back of the taxi as they made there way to Mark’s house. “Almost there baby girl” Glenn murmured in her ear. Stephanie smiled softly at his words as she snuggled closer to him. Even though they were almost eight hundred miles away from Kane, she still never wanted to leave Glenn’s arms. Stephanie was so afraid that Kane would find them. She knew that Glenn could protect her from any harm, but she also knew that Kane was smart, and if he wanted to hurt her, there just might be no stopping him.

“And we’re here” Glenn whispered in her ear as the taxi pulled up in front of Mark’s beautiful ranch house. Stephanie lifted her head and gazed out the window, a smile spreading across her face when she saw Mark sitting on his porch, waiting for them. Glenn paid the taxi driver then slid out before helping Stephanie out. “Go ahead, I’ll get our bags” Glenn stated. Stephanie’s eyes widened at his words and she vigorously shook her head.

“No!” she exclaimed as she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist. Glenn held her close and cooed to her, trying to assure her that everything would be alright. “It’s just Mark sweetheart, everything is fine” Glenn whispered as he stroked her hair gently. Stephanie looked up into his eyes then nodded before kissing his lips softly.

“Okay” she said softly before turning and walking across the lawn. Mark smiled as he stood then made his way down the porch steps. “Well well well, who is this beautiful woman?” Mark asked playfully, his arms open for a hug. Stephanie looked deep into his beautiful emerald eyes then smiles and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’ve missed you” she stated quietly as she hugged him. He held her tightly then kissed the top of her head.

“I’ve missed ya too darlin’” Mark replied as he rubbed her back soothingly, “how are ya holding up little one?” Stephanie sighed softly as she released him. “I’m okay...just...scared” she replied honestly as she looked at the ground. Mark gently lifted her head to look into her eyes and shook his head.

“You don’t have to be afraid anymore” Mark stated as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Stephanie smiled and hugged him once more, her heart warming at the thought of having Mark and Glenn to protect her from any harm. Mark’s beautiful red hair was tied back from his face and he was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, a traditional outfit which fit him perfectly.

“You look great Mark” Stephanie whispered before giggling when Mark poked her rib cage gently. He chuckled and kissed her forehead softly. “And you look amazing. You could put a little fat on ya though” Mark stated as he pulled her away from him to study her more clearly. Stephanie smiled softly and nodded.

“I know, but it’s nothing a few good meals and lot’s of rest can’t fix. I’d tell you why I’m skinnier and more weak, but it’s a long story” she stated just as Glenn came up behind her. “Hey there Tex” Glenn stated playfully. “Look who’s talkin Tennessee boy” Mark drawled. They both laughed before embracing each other in a brotherly hug. “Where should I put all our stuff?” Glenn asked once he picked all of their bags up again.

“Upstairs, second door on the right” Mark instructed. Glenn walked up the porch then into the house with Mark and Stephanie behind him. “Why don’t you two get settled in and I’ll make us all something to eat” Mark said as he rested his hands on Stephanie’s shoulders. They both obliged and Glenn continued up the stairs to the room they would be staying in, but Stephanie turned to Mark instead of following.

“Mark, I just want to thank you for letting us stay with you. I’m still scared though” Stephanie stated softly as she looked up into Mark’s eyes. He smiled down at her before pulling her gently into his arms. “Don’t worry darlin’, everything will be fine” Mark assured her as he stroked her hair, “now you go rest, and no more worrying.” Stephanie nodded at his words before reaching up and kissing his cheek softly. “Thank you, Mark” she whispered before turning and heading up the stairs.


Glenn unpacked Stephanie’s clothes and folded them neatly on the bed one by one. He hated how she only had a few outfits to choose from and maybe two pairs of sleep shorts. He had grabbed everything that was her’s from his room, which was not very much. Glenn admired one of her shirts, running his fingers over it. He couldn’t believe how small it was compared to all of his clothes.

“I don’t know if she’ll ever be the same” Glenn whispered to himself as he folded her shirt. The things Stephanie had gone through were things that Glenn could never even imagine. He hated his brother with such a ferocity that he wanted to kill him himself.

“Glenn?” Stephanie said softly from behind him. Glenn turned and smiled at the sight of her. She slowly approached him then wrapped her arms around his waist. “I love you” she said softly. Glenn carefully scooped her up into his arms and kissed her forehead lovingly.

“I love you too, Stephanie...God more than you’ll ever know” he whispered as he nuzzled her neck. Stephanie squealed with laughter suddenly when Glenn blew a raspberry on her neck. He chuckled as he gently tossed her down onto the bed, making her clothes scatter everywhere. The sound of her laughter was music to his ears as he continued to tickle her. This was his Stephanie, this was the woman he’d loved for so many years. Stephanie giggled as she panted, catching her breath after Glenn’s little attack.

“Now I have to fold your clothes all over again” Glenn said with a chuckle as he hovered above her, loving the soft pink that adorned her cheeks from their playful bout. Stephanie gave him a confused look at his words then looked around her at the disheveled clothes. Her eyes widened as she immediately scurried off the bed and got down onto the floor on her knees.

“I’m sorry Glenn...please...please I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to mess everything up” she cried as she wrapped her arms around herself and kept her eyes closed, her head lowered. Glenn shook his head as she rattled on and on with her apology.

“Steph, shhhh, don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong” Glenn cooed as he kneeled down on the floor and took her Stephanie into his arms. She continued to whisper how sorry she was despite Glenn’s insistence that she did nothing wrong. This was what he feared. He knew that after everything Kane had put her through, it would be hard for her to let all of his sick ‘lessons’ go.

“Stephanie...I’m not Kane...please forget everything that he’s ever said to you or told you how to act. It’s okay baby girl” Glenn whispered in her ear as he stroked her hair and back, trying to calm her. Stephanie trembled against him, hating herself for being so afraid and reacting the way she did. “I’m sorry Glenn...I didn’t mean to...to react that way” she whispered as she clung to him. “It’s not your fault Stephanie...it’s Kane’s fault” Glenn replied as he cradled her.


Mark sighed softly as he stood in the doorway, watching the way Stephanie cried and Glenn held her. He turned and walked back down the stairs wanting to give them their privacy and make a phone call.

“Poor thing” Mark muttered as he walked into his study and sat down on the large leather couch. He clearly remembered the Stephanie he had grown such close friends with. She was always laughing and enjoying life, and now here she was, kneeling on the floor and apologizing for messing up a few clothes. He read the fear she possessed when she realized what she had done. He hated to see her like that.

That wasn’t the Stephanie he knew. Mark smiled to himself as he continued his trip down memory lane. At one point, Mark had been attracted to Stephanie and had even thought about asking her out, but he knew it would never work. She looked a lot like him, which drew out the brother instincts in him.

He saw her as beautiful and intelligent person with an amazing body, but he wanted to protect her more than he wanted to be with her in a physical relationship. Mark sighed heavily before reaching over to his desk and grabbed the cordless phone to make his phone call and keep his mind on track and not in the past.

Chapter 32

Stephanie was sitting on her and Glenn’s bed, looking down at Glenn as he slept the next morning. Stephanie was beginning to develop a habit of studying Glenn as he would sleep. She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled down at his peaceful face.

“I love you, Glenn” she whispered before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. Stephanie perked up and turned towards the window when she heard the soft hum of a car driving up the driveway. She slowly crept out of bed so she would not wake Glenn then hurried to look out the window, nervousness flooding her body as thoughts of Kane finding her began filling her mind. She looked out and sighed heavily as a smile spread across her face, relief washing over her like a tidal wave.

“Jas...David...” she whispered as she ran her fingers down the glass. Stephanie turned to glance over at Glenn before hurrying over to the bed. “Glenn” she whispered as she climbed up carefully, not wanting to frighten him awake. She shook him slightly but he did not respond. “Glenn” she whispered once again, shaking him a bit harder. Glenn groaned and turned towards her then pulled her down into his arms. Stephanie giggled and kissed his bare shoulder softly.

“Come on now, Jaslyn and David are here” she said while giggling and trying to squirm out of his grasp. “Let’s go to sleep” Glenn mumbled as he nuzzled her neck, making her giggle even more. “Lazy...now get up, up up up!” Stephanie prompted as she shook his shoulders. Glenn chuckled softly but refused to move.

“Well fine then” Stephanie stated softly before slowly sliding her hands down his sides. Glenn immediately began laughing and squirming as Stephanie’s fingers tickled him unmercifully. “Okay!” Glenn shouted as he grabbed her arms and pinned her down onto the bed. He was still laughing and trying to catch his breath.

“Okay, I’m up” Glenn said with a chuckle before leaning down to kiss Stephanie’s lips softly. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck and gladly returned the kiss. “I love you, Stephanie” Glenn whispered as he stroked her hair lovingly, “do you feel safe here?” She looked deep into his beautiful eyes, loving the way they shined with such love for her.

“Yes...I feel safe. I’m just nervous I guess, but now that you, Mark, Jaslyn, and David...I can’t help but feel safe” she replied softly, a smile playing on her lips. Glenn smiled as well, his heart warming at the fact that Stephanie finally felt safe. He knew that it had been a very long time since Stephanie felt like she could be herself, felt like she could say something without fearing abuse. Glenn and Stephanie both hurried out of bed and slipped on their clothes before heading down to the living room to greet Jaslyn and David.

“We were so worried” Jaslyn whispered as she hugged Stephanie tightly to her. Jaslyn, Stephanie, Mark, David, and Glenn were all seated in the living room, letting the girls reunite. Stephanie returned the tight embrace, “I’m fine, everything is fine.”

David sighed as he watched his wife and her best friend. The need to get his hands on Kane was growing more fierce every time he set eyes on Stephanie, on the bruises her body held. “I know...I want his blood too” Glenn stated softly when he noticed the look on David’s face. “Cops everywhere in Tennessee are looking for him, there’s no way he could get out of there. He will NOT get near her” Mark stated confidently.

“He may be smart, but he’s not good enough to get out of that state. He’s not exactly an easy person to miss, so somebody is bound to see him and turn him in” Glenn said as he leaned back on the couch. He squeezed his eyes closed for a moment before rubbing his face with his hands. Talking about Kane was making him both irritated and giving him a headache.

“How the hell can he be my brother” Glenn muttered as he stared at Stephanie, the small smile on her face warming his heart. “This has gone far enough...how much damn further is he gonna go?” David asked, his own agitation rising. Glenn patted his friend on the shoulder for reassurance.

“Don’t worry, it won’t go any further, not while you all are in this house” Mark promised, smiling at his two close friends. Mark then stood and headed into the kitchen to get himself and the other men a beer. Before returning, Mark paused and looked over at Jaslyn. Her beautiful strawberry blond hair was tied up in a pony tail and she was wearing tight blue jeans and a white sweater. He could remember the first day he met Jaslyn. She and David had just begun dating at the time, so from square one, Mark never had a chance. At first he was angry about it, but he learned that if she loved David, then he was happy for her. However, the sight of her sitting on his couch in his living room was starting to rekindle those feelings he once felt for her.

“Damn it” he muttered as he looked away. Mark continued to tell himself to get over her and forget it. Jaslyn was now a married woman. He turned and headed back into the living room then handed both Glenn and David a beer.


Stephanie looked around at all her friends and felt her heart swell. It seemed as if it had been an eternity since she last was surrounded by so much love and comfort. “I don’t know what I would do without all of you” Stephanie whispered to Jaslyn as she rested her head against her shoulder. Jaslyn draped her arm over her friend’s shoulders and hugged her close.

“We would never be away from you at a time like this. Hell, we don’t want to be away from you ever, honey” she replied. “Mark, I promise, the moment this is all over, we’ll be out of this house. I feel so terrible coming to you when you have nothing to do with any of this” Stephanie said softly as she looked over at him. Mark shook his head then moved over to sit beside her, “don’t worry about anything darlin’. I’m glad to have you here. You’re safe here.” She smiled and nodded, feeling much reassured by his words.

“Why don’t we all go out to eat? We’re all together so we might as well take advantage of it” David suggested. All eyes fell upon Stephanie. She sighed heavily, knowing that everyone liked the sound of getting out of the house.

“It’s up to you sweetheart” Glenn said softly, his breath taking eyes fixed on her with such concern and support. She glanced towards the front door and slowly stood from the couch. As she made her way towards the door, she continued to tell herself that she would not find harm outside. Kane was hundred and hundreds of miles away and he had no idea where she was. Stephanie slowly opened the front door and cautiously stepped onto the porch, her eyes taking in the countryside before her. She leaned back and smiled when she felt Glenn’s arms wrap around her.

“You’re always there...whenever I need you” she whispered as she closed her eyes, letting Glenn’s warmth surround her. “I’ll always be here, Stephanie...believe that” he whispered in her ear before kissing her temple. “I do believe that. It seems as though it’s the only thing I can believe” she replied before turning in his arms, “I’ll go, as long as you never leave my side.”

“I promise” he stated, tightening his arms around her. Glenn hated the fear he felt inside her. Kane took away her ability to feel free, and without her freedom, her beautifully free spirit, Stephanie was dead inside. He knew he could bring her back to life, bring the spark of laughter back into her eyes. It would take a lot of love, trust, and especially time, but he knew he could, he had to.

It pained him to look into her eyes and see uncertainty and fear. Glenn knew that Stephanie was not afraid of him. He knew that she trusted him and would never hurt her, but whether he liked it or not, Glenn and Kane were twins. Every time she looked at him she would see Kane. His heart clenched at the thought of resembling the one man Stephanie feared and loathed more than anything in the entire world. He sighed heavily and ushered Stephanie back into the house.

Once everyone was ready, they all got into their cars and headed into town. Mark, Glenn, and Stephanie went in Mark’s truck and Jaslyn and David took their car. Stephanie watched out the window as the trees and fields passed by and sighed suddenly as a feeling of longing washed over her. She couldn’t explain why, but she wanted to be back in her home at the very moment. When she moved in with Kane, she had never had the chance to put it up for sale, or even to gather most of her belongings. The house was simply locked up and alone.

‘Eventually’ she thought to herself, ‘once Kane is locked up in jail, everything will be fine.’ Stephanie desperately wanted to believe that Kane would be found. She wasn’t quite sure what she would do if Kane ever found her.

‘Probably freeze up, fall to your knees like a pathetic pet and beg him not to hurt you’ Stephanie scolded herself. She hated that Kane could put such a fear inside of her, have such control over her.

“Stephanie? Are you alright?” Glenn asked, turning in his seat to study her face more clearly. She glanced up at him and smiled softly. “I’m fine...no worries” she replied before looking out the window once again. Glenn slid his hand into her’s, intertwining their fingers. Stephanie took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She never knew that such a small gesture could impact her so greatly.

“I love you” she whispered once she turned to look deep into his eyes. “I love you too, Stephanie” he whispered back before he gently pulled her against him, her head laying down on his chest. Stephanie tried desperately to convince herself that she was going to be alright.

The entire time they were out to dinner, Stephanie had been glancing over her shoulder and clinging to Glenn. He understood why she was so afraid and he had held her to his side the entire night. When they were all seated in the large booth in the restaurant, things finally began to be normal. They all were sharing stories, old and new, making laughter pool from them all. Stephanie had been smiling and laughing and Glenn had treasured every moment of it.

“Did you have fun tonight?” Glenn asked Stephanie as they readied themselves for bed. She pulled her hair tie from her hair, letting it cast down her back in fiery waves. “Yes” she replied as she turned to him smiling, “it felt good to laugh again.” Glenn shut their bedroom door before walking over to her.

“It felt good to see you smile. Steph, I’m worried about you. I know it’s gonna be a while before you get Kane out of your life, but I want to help. I want to erase him from your memory” Glenn whispered in her ear as he caressed her lower back. Stephanie felt tears prick to her eyes at his words and her body tingled from his touch.

“He used to look at me so coldly...touch me with such anger and hate in his eyes” Stephanie whispered as she rested her head on his chest, “you always filled me with such warmth.” She tilted her head back and looked into Glenn’s eyes as her tears streamed down her face. Glenn felt as though someone had just punched him in his gut when he saw such pain and anguish in her eyes, laced with desperation.

“Let me try to take it away” Glenn whispered as he gently pressed his forehead against her’s. The moment Stephanie nodded, he scooped her up in his arms then laid her down on the large soft bed they were sharing.

“I’m afraid...but I need you Glenn” she whispered as more tears streamed down her face. “God baby girl, please don’t cry” Glenn whispered as he settled down beside her. The one thing he couldn’t stand was the sight of a woman crying, especially Stephanie. She turned towards him and snuggled up to his side, her head on his chest.

“I...I don’t remember how” she whispered as she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “Don’t remember how to do what, sweetheart” Glenn asked as he carefully pulled her to lay on top of him. He could see that she was struggling to explain what she meant as she took a few deep breaths, each one the beginning of a sentence that was never born.

“Kane always controlled me. I was either tied down, chained down, or he held me down. He liked holding me down the most he always told me. Kane and I never made love. He raped me every day of my life. I don’t know how to make love anymore Glenn. I know you would never hurt me, but I’m terrified. I want to be with you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life, I just don’t know if I’m capable anymore” Stephanie whispered before wiping her tears away.

Glenn’s body was quivering with his barely restrained fury as he listened to her words. The thought of his brother forcing Stephanie to let him touch her made him sick to his stomach.

“Stephanie...I can’t undo what he’s done to you, but I can damn well make you forget it” Glenn whispered as he gently pulled her up along his body so her face was closer to his. Stephanie’s beautiful emerald eyes shined at him as she smiled through her tears. “I know you can” Stephanie whispered, “but what if something happens? What if I get afraid and flip out on you? I love you so much Glenn...but...you...you are Kane’s...twin.” Stephanie averted her eyes to the floor when she saw Glenn wince at her words.

“Steph...I know me and Kane look exactly alike, but I pray you know that me and him are not the same” Glenn said as he stroked her back. Stephanie looked up into his eyes and nodded her head, “I know your not sweetheart, you would never hurt me.” Glenn sighed heavily with relief at her words.

He was terrified that Stephanie would leave him because of his resemblance to Kane. He knew she loved him but some things are just too much for people to handle, and Glenn was worried that it would be too damaging for Stephanie to look at him eery day and be reminded of the hell she went through. Glenn wrapped his arms tightly around her and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t be afraid. The passion inside you will never die, I won’t let it. Not many people share what we have, our love, our passion. Don’t think about him Stephanie. Banish him from your mind” Glenn whispered as he gently rolled over, Stephanie lying curled beneath him. She looked up into his eyes, her’s shining with such desperation.

“Only you can banish him” she whispered as she slipped her arms around his neck. Glenn leaned down and their lips finally met. There was such an eagerness between them as they heartily kissed one another, pulling the passion from each others hearts.

Glenn made love to Stephanie that night with such desperation and ferocity as well as gentile. He wanted nothing more than to give her the happiness she so richly deserved as well as the love and comfort. Kane had destroyed Stephanie’s mind and spirit, but Glenn would be damned if he just sat back and watched his love crumble. Stephanie was the one thing in his life that brought him happiness, love, comfort, laughter, and there was no way he would lose her now. Glenn only hoped that his love could restore her, bring her back to the playful, giggling Stephanie he’s always known.

“I love you” Stephanie whispered as Glenn held her tightly against his chest. They were both exhausted from their love making, dizzy from the intensity. “I love you too Stephanie...more than anything” Glenn whispered back. He then pulled the blankets up over their bodies and cradled Stephanie’s head under his chin.

“Sleep angel, rest” Glenn cooed as he rubbed her back soothingly. Stephanie kissed his chest softly before closing her eyes and giving herself over to sleep. Glenn kissed the top of her head softly before he turned off the bedside light and let sleep take over him. Bringing back the Stephanie she used to be was going to be a long and painful process.

Chapter 33

Five Months Later

Jaslyn and Mark headed out into the backyard, the sun warming the world. “Summer is definitely coming” Jaslyn stated as she tilted her head back to enjoy the rays, her long pony tail swaying in the soft breeze. Mark chuckled at her words and moved over to drape his arm over her shoulders and give her a friendly embrace.

“Should be here soon, you know summer’s here when one day it’s around seventy degrees then ya wake up in the mornin’ and it’s almost a hundred” he replied before releasing her and heading over to the grill to start it up. Jaslyn glanced over at him and couldn’t help but smile. Mark had always been a wonderful friend to her and it warmed her heart that he seemed to still be attracted to her even though she was six months into her pregnancy. Jaslyn knew that Mark used to have feelings for her but she was already with David.

“Mark, can I talk to you?” Jaslyn asked as she sat down on the bench of the picnic table. Mark turned away from the grill and looked over at her, his arms crossed over his chest. “Everything okay darlin?” Mark asked as he walked over then sat down beside her. Jaslyn stared down at her hands in her lap as she tried to configure the words in her mind.

“Mark...I just want to let you know how much your friendship means to me. I know that you had feelings for me in the past and even though I’m with David, that didn’t stop you from being my friend. That means a lot to me” Jaslyn said softly as she looked up into Mark’s beautiful emerald eyes. He smiled and leaned down to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Jas...being friends with you beats the hell outta not having you at all” he stated, pure sincerity shining in his eyes, “so where’s David? It shouldn’t take too long to get the grill going and the food cookin’.” “I’m not sure, he left before I woke up this morning. He left me a note saying he’d be home later and not to worry, so he should be home soon” Jaslyn replied as she stood and walked back over to the grill with Mark.

“Well, stick your head in the house and holler for the other two bums to get down here” Mark said with a smile before turning to get the grill heated up. Jaslyn walked over and pulled the sliding glass door open then entered the living room. “Glenn! Steph, Mark’s starting up the grill!” she shouted up to them.

“We’ll be down soon!” Glenn called back down from his and Stephanie’s bedroom. Glenn buttoned his jeans then pulled on his white T-shirt before walking over to the bathroom door. He smiled as he listened to the water running, imagining his beautiful lady with water cascading over her lithe body.

“Having fun lurking in the doorway?” Stephanie’s sweet voice came from inside the bathroom. Glenn chuckled as he pushed it the rest of the way open then shut it behind him. “Enjoying yourself?” Glenn asked as he leaned back against the door, his thumbs hooked in the belt loops of his jeans. Stephanie smiled as she tilted her head back into the hot spray then wiped the water from her eyes.

“Very much” she replied before pulled the curtain open. Glenn’s eyes immediately roamed over Stephanie’s beautiful body as steam surrounded her and her long drenched hair clung to her arms and back.

“Care to join me?” Stephanie asked with a sly smirk on her face as she ran her right hand through her hair. Glenn licked his lips hungrily as he approached her. “I’d join you anytime” Glenn drawled as he slid his hands down her sides then gripped her waist, “but right now Mark is starting up the grill and you still have a jog to get into your schedule.” Stephanie laughed at his words and slid her hands over his. “You don’t want me?” she asked, sticking her lip out to pout. Glenn chuckled and reached into the shower to turn off the water.

“Sweetheart, you’ll never know how bad I want you” Glenn growled before sweeping her up into his arms. Stephanie leaned forward and started placing kisses haphazardly over Glenn’s neck, making his entire body quiver with need.

“God Steph, your tempting a lion with fresh meat” Glenn groaned as he carried her over to their bed. She giggled then bit down on his neck then laughed when he tossed her down onto the bed.

“I’m sorry baby...I’ll stop being naughty” Stephanie purred as she rolled over to lay on her stomach. Glenn’s eyes traveled over her bare body, loving the curves of her smooth back and beautiful backside. He especially loved her long smooth legs and adorable little feet. She smiled evilly up at him before slowly licking her lips, making Glenn’s body respond to her taunting even more.

“Get dressed, go run, we’ll eat, and then you’re mine” Glenn stated firmly, yet playfully, as he pointed at her. He then adjusted the front of his jeans to situate himself more comfortably, throwing Stephanie into a fit of laughter as he left the room. He had to get out of that room before he jumped on her and devoured her which would leave her no time for her usual jog.

Before shutting the door behind him, Glenn watched as Stephanie stood from the bed, a beautiful smile upon her lips, then walked over to her dresser and pulled out her bra, panties, running shorts, and tank top. She was softly singing to herself, her beautiful red hair cascading down her back.

‘She looks happy’ Glenn thought as he continued to watch her, ‘she finally looks happy.’ Glenn sighed, his own smile playing on his lips as he closed the bedroom door then headed down the stairs then into the living room. “Well she sounds happy” Jaslyn commented with a laugh as Glenn approached her. He chuckled and ushered her out into the backyard. “She does, and she is in my opinion. She’s coming back to us Jas...slowly but surely” he stated with such joy in his eyes.

Once Stephanie was dressed and had her hair pulled back in a pony tail, she headed down stairs to inform Glenn she was leaving. She had her headphones around her neck and her walkman attached to her hip.

Warmth spread through her heart as she watched Mark, Glenn, and Jaslyn in the backyard talking, laughing, having happy lives. Stephanie finally felt as though she had one of those, a happy life. Glenn was by her side every night, holding her, loving her, bringing her back to life and along with Jaslyn, Mark, and David, they all were helping every day to rekindle her spirit.

“I’m gonna head out for my run, I shouldn’t be long” Stephanie informed everyone as she walked into the backyard. Glenn immediately pulled her into a hug and held her tightly. “Good, don’t be too long, we’ll have the grill started and food cooking” Glenn said before kissing her lips softly.

“And you don’t want to miss my grilling baby” Mark stated confidently. Stephanie laughed and nodded, “you did always have the best hotdogs and hamburgers in the state.” After kissing Glenn once more, she turned and headed back into the house then out the front door.

‘Absolutely beautiful’ Stephanie thought as she started out with a fast paced walk down the road. Summer was coming, and if there was anything Stephanie loved, it was warm weather. The large fields around her always took her breath away and the trees were blooming beautifully. Stephanie’s headphones were blasting the song Hold On For One More Day in her ears as she picked up her pace to a normal jog.

A few months ago, Stephanie started dancing again. She’d been working out and jogging every day to keep her strength up and keep her body toned. Stephanie loved Glenn with all her heart, but she still held a certain amount of shyness inside her when it came to her body. She was afraid that Glenn would no longer find her attractive if she gained weight or let her body go, however she knew Glenn would always love her no matter what she looked like.

“But I like looking good for him” Stephanie whispered to herself before giggling. She had even started writing again. Her story Faithfully was very close to being finished and once she edited it she would get it published. Stephanie took a right turn and headed down a long road which lead to a dead end. She would usually run the same path every day, down the road, take a right, run down the road she was presently on, then turn around at the dead end and head back home. Stephanie went through about half her CD before she got to the dead end. Suddenly she gasped when she tripped over a rock, sending her walkman off the flip on the rim of her shorts then crashing to the ground.

“Damn it” Stephanie stated harshly as she bend down to gather the tiny plastic pieces scattered everywhere. “Now I have to buy another one” she muttered as she slipped the headphones off her neck, balancing the other pieces in her other hand.

“Get up...slowly” a deep, familiar, baritone voice growled from about fifteen feet away. Stephanie’s entire body immediately began to quiver as she stayed exactly where she was. ‘Please don’t be him...please don’t be him’ Stephanie’s mind whispered. She slowly lifted her head and her gaze fell upon the man she thought she had cast out of her heart and mind, Kane.

“I said...get up” he growled louder, taking a threatening step forward. Stephanie squeezed her eyes closed for a moment, praying that when she opened them up again, he would be gone. However, when she did, she had no such luck. She slowly stood up, her legs threatening to collapse beneath her. Stephanie’s eyes were glued on Kane, watching every move he made so she would know when to make a run for it.

Kane had on black jeans and a tight black t-shirt, but the most frightening thing he was wearing was the smirk on his face. “I’ve missed you Stephanie” Kane drawled as he crossed his arms over his chest, “you left your engagement ring at my house.” Stephanie took a deep breath to calm herself, “I left it there Kane. We are not engaged anymore.” Kane’s smirk melted from his face and was replaced by pure rage flaming in his eyes.

“GOD DAMN IT, Stephanie we’re engaged, you’re marrying me, and that’s FINAL!” Kane shouted, pointing at her threateningly. “Kane please...just let me go. We can’t keep doing this” she stated softly as tears welled in her eyes, “I don’t want you in my life and I don’t ever want to see you again.” Kane was visibly shaking with anger and Stephanie felt her heart leap into her throat when Kane reached behind him and pulled something from his back pocket.

“Okay sweetheart, you win. We don’t have to get married, and we don’t have to be together” Kane said with a sweet smile on his face. Stephanie whimpered and took a step back as fear pooled from every pore of her body. Kane lifted a gun in his hand, pointing it straight at her.

“Kane please” she whispered, holding her hands up in a nonthreatening, pleading gesture. “If I can’t have you Stephanie” Kane stated as his body quivered with both anger and reluctance, “no one can.” The shot of Kane’s gun echoed throughout all of Texas it seemed. The silence that followed was more painful however.


Glenn sighed as he continued walking Stephanie’s jogging path, worrying himself into a frenzy. He knew that by the time the food was done and had began to turn cold, Stephanie should’ve been home by then. He didn’t want to seem like he was overprotective but he just couldn’t help but go out to look for her.

Glenn finally made it about forty feet to the end of the dead end street where Glenn knew Stephanie turned around and stopped dead in his tracks. He could plainly see someone laying on the ground with a black figure hovering over it. Glenn broke into a run as fast as he could until he was twenty feet away.

“NO!” Glenn screamed as he bolted towards Stephanie and Kane. Stephanie was laying on the ground, blood soaking her tank top as well as the ground and Kane’s hands. Kane was staring at her, his entire body shaking as he slowly backed away from her. Glenn collapsed beside her and immediately pulled her into his arms.

“HOW COULD YOU DO THIS?” Glenn screamed at his brother. Kane had tears in his eyes as he slowly backed away from them. “I’m...I’m sorry” Kane whispered before turning around and taking off. Glenn held Stephanie tightly in his arms as tears streamed down his face. “Please...please don’t leave me Stephanie. If you die...I die with you” Glenn whispered as he stroked her hair.

“I love you” Stephanie whispered. Her voice was so soft that Glenn almost missed her words. “I love you too Stephanie, you’re gonna make it, you’re gonna be just fine, hold on sweetheart” Glenn said in a rush of words. Stephanie’s eyes fluttered open and she stared into Glenn’s as she raised her hand to his face. By touching his cheek, Stephanie smeared the blood on her hand onto his face.

“I love you Glenn...I’m sorry for everything...I should’ve listened...to you...tell everyone I love them and good luck...with the baby” Stephanie whispered, her mouth barely moving as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. “Steph don’t talk like that, you’re gonna be fine baby” Glenn whispered as he tightened his hold on her.

“Please...I love you Glenn...don’t forget...me” she whispered. Her hand fell away from Glenn’s face and her body went limp and deathly still. “Stephanie...Steph wake up...STEPH!” Glenn shouted as he clutched her body to his, soaking his white shirt in her blood. Glenn rested his head against her’s as violent sobs racked his body and complete sorrow swallowed him whole.

Chapter 34

Glenn sat in the waiting room, bobbing his foot up and down against the floor as he stared at the blood staining his clothes...Stephanie’s blood. Jaslyn and Mark were sitting beside him. She was in hysteric sobs with Mark’s arms wrapped around her. They were both distraught, confused, and angry, wanting to badly to find Kane and inflict as much pain upon him as they could.

“Jas...you have to calm down, this isn’t good for the baby” Mark whispered as he stroked her back gently. “I CAN’T!” she screamed as she clutched the front of Mark’s shirt, “my best friend is DYING!” “Shhhh” Mark cooed as he rocked her gently, “she’ll be alright...I know it.”

“Where the HELL is this god damn doctor” Glenn growled as he abruptly stood and began pacing. “Glenn please” Mark stated softly as he rested Jaslyn’s head against his chest. Glenn glanced over and saw the state Stephanie’s best friend was in and sighed heavily. “I’m sorry” he whispered as he sat down beside Jaslyn and reached out to touch her. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the blood that still remained on his hands and clothes. Glenn took deep breaths, his mind being overloaded with grief and fear. He had to be strong, whether it be for Jaslyn or for himself.

“Glenn Jacobs?” a man called as he entered the waiting room. Glenn bolted to his feet and approached the doctor. “Is she okay? Is she alive? Tell me something, damn it!” Glenn stated, his voice rising slightly with every word. “Mr. Jacobs please clam down, Stephanie is alive. She’s still unconscious and extremely pale and weak. She lost a lot of blood but she went through surgery and we successfully retrieved the bullet. Stephanie is on the oxygen tank and hasn’t regained consciousness yet so you may go in and see her at any time, as well as your friends. She’s in room 371” the doctor stated, “however you may want to go home and change first.” Glenn shook his head before passing the doctor and heading towards Stephanie’s room.

Once he entered, he froze. Her long red hair was splayed around her shoulders, her skin was paler than he’d ever seen it, and the only movement she made was her chest rising and falling with her smooth breathing. Glenn tried with all his might not to lose control of his emotions as he made his way to her bedside. He sat down in a chair and gently took her tiny hand in his large ones.

“Steph” he whispered as he stroked her hand, “please wake up, God, I’ll never forgive myself for letting my guard down. I don’t know why the hell I ever thought he’d leave you alone.”

Glenn felt his heart clench when Stephanie gave him no response and he couldn’t help but wonder if she could hear him at all. “I’m waiting right here Stephanie. I’m not going anywhere” Glenn stated firmly as he caressed her tiny hand then placed a soft kiss on her palm. Glenn was officially hell bent on killing his brother for what he tried to do to Stephanie. Kane tried to end her life and put her six feet under the cold ground. Glenn was terrified and prayed that Stephanie would wake up. If Kane succeeded with his palns, Glenn would be unable to survive the torment. “I can’t lose you baby girl” Glenn whispered as tears welled in his eyes, despite his greatest efforts to keep them inside.

Stephanie glanced around her and felt fear still gripping her heart. She felt weak, unable to move, or even open her eyes. She wanted Glenn with her, not the darkness she was enshrouded in. Before she could open her mouth to speak. She felt her mind drifting back down into her dreams, farther away from reality.

“David!” Jaslyn shrieked when she saw him running through the emergency room door. “What the hell is going on?” David pleaded as his wife threw herself into his arms. When he had arrived back at Mark’s house he had been greeted by policemen who then directed him to the hospital with no other information but that. He was incredibly relieved to see his wife was physically alright, but the state of her emotions caused his heart to drop into his stomach.

“Where’s Stephanie and Glenn?” David asked Mark as he held Jaslyn tightly. Mark sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his long red locks. “Kane found her...here...she went for a jog...and...and Kane shot her” Mark finally spat out, trying to hold in his emotions and control the sickness he was feeling. Stephanie had come to him, his home, for safety, yet here they were in the hospital as Stephanie fought for her life.

“Shhh” David cooed to a distraught Jaslyn. He scooped her up carefully in his arms, sat down in one of the chairs, then settled her comfortably in his lap with her head on his shoulder. The shock that David felt was gripping him so powerfully that he could barely muster the wit to comfort his wife.

“How could you let this happen?” David growled as he stroked Jaslyn’s back. Mark’s eyes widened at David’s words. “What the hell did you just say?” Mark demanded, part of his fears and worries being replaced with anger. “She came here because she knew Kane wouldn’t find her here! Do you feel good about yourself now? You did your good deed by letting her stay then you say back and didn’t do a damn thing to keep her safe” David stated angrily as he stroked Jaslyn’s hair. Mark immediately shot to his feet and towered over him, anger flaring in his eyes.

“I didn’t protect her? First of all, it’s not my job but I took her in because that girl means a lot to me and so does Glenn. I would NEVER let anything happen to them OR Jaslyn, but right about now I don’t give a damn what happens to you! Aren’t you friends with Stephanie? Isn’t it your job too to keep her safe? Huh? Where the hell were you when all of this was happening?” Mark demanded. Jaslyn cringed from all the loud voices around her and she shrank closer and closer to David but then moved closer to Mark when David would raise his voice. David glared heatedly at Mark and carefully set Jaslyn down in the seat beside him before standing face to face with Mark.

“Where I was is none of your business, and stop trying to blame all this on me when it’s your damn fault!” David shouted. Mark was struggling to control his temper but he was managing as he glared intently into David’s eyes. “Have secrets to hide to you? Wanna blame me when I was around and you weren’t? Come on David, where were you?” Mark shouted angrily.

“Stop it!” Jaslyn yelled as she stood and shoved herself between the two, “stop arguing!” David and Mark both ignored her and continued ranting at each other, even though Mark wasn’t quite sure why David had started this in the first place. What was it that made David feel as though he had to blame Mark for everything? “Get out of my face” Mark growled as Jaslyn pressed her hands against his chest, trying desperately to keep him away from David.

“They should’ve never came here, she probably would’ve been safer WITH Kane for God sakes, versus running, hiding, then getting shot!” David shouted angrily as he pushed closer to Mark.

“Enough!” Jaslyn screamed as tears streamed down her face. Her heart tightened painfully as everything surrounded her, David and Mark shouting, Stephanie in a room down the hall fighting for her life. She didn’t know if she could handle it. Sobs racked her body as she tried to hold them apart, their voices beginning to blend together and make no coherent sense. Jaslyn suddenly gripped her stomach with her arms as a shriek escaped from her throat. She immediately fell to her knees, squeezing her eyes shut tightly as she willed the pain to stop.

“Oh God” David whispered as he knelt down beside her. He was horrified to see blood heavily soaking the pants Jaslyn was wearing. “HELP!” Mark shouted when he saw the blood and the pain Jaslyn was in, “WE NEED A DOCTOR!” ‘No...please tell me this isn’t happening’ Jaslyn thought as she felt herself being lifted off the floor and laid down on something soft.

“David!” she cried out as she reached out for him. He immediately took her hand in his and hurried along side the stretcher. “It’s okay baby girl, everything is gonna be fine” David said frantically. Mark watched in horror as they wheeled Jaslyn hurriedly down the hallway then disappeared through two large doors. “God, all this can’t be real” Mark whispered as he slowly sank down into one of the chairs then dropped his head in his hands.

Hours seemed to tick by as though they were days. Glenn never took his eyes off Stephanie’s motionless body and never let go of her hand, in fear that she may be finding her way back and he would lose her.

“The doctor says that I should go and get something to eat and rest, but I’m not. I don’t want to leave you” Glenn stated as he settled comfortably beside her. The nurse had helped move Stephanie over a bit which aloud room for Glenn to lay with her. He prayed that the feeling of him being so close might help to bring her back to reality. “Glenn” Mark’s voice said from the doorway. Glenn glanced over at him and immediately became worried by the look on his face.

“What’s wrong?” Glenn asked as he carefully sat up then slid off the bed. He placed a soft kiss on Stephanie’s forehead before walking over towards the door. Mark was grief stricken by the news he was about to tell Glenn, but he knew he had to. “It’s...it’s Jaslyn” Mark stated softly. He sighed heavily and rubbed his face with his hands before looking up into Glenn’s eyes.

“What...what happened?” Glenn asked frantically, his heart beating faster as fear raced through him. “She...” Mark stuttered, trying to force the words from his mouth, “she lost the baby.”


Jaslyn stared blindly up at the bright white ceiling of her hospital room. She wished she could’ve believed David’s words that everything was fine, but reality was suffocating her with the truth. Tears slowly trickled down her cheeks as she rested her hands on her stomach. She now knew that her baby was no longer growing inside her, was never going to move again within her body, and she was never going to know what her little baby looked like.

The doctor had told her that the miscarriage was brought on by the extreme emotional stress of her best friends car accident. She knew that the arguing between Mark and her husband did not help. Jaslyn glanced over at David and felt her heart clench painfully in her chest. David was sitting on the opposite side of the room in a chair with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.

“David” Jaslyn whispered as she reached out for him. He slowly lifted his head and looked over at her, his cheeks damp from his tears. Such anger and sorrow was coursing through him. He knew that it was not Jaslyn’s fault that she lost their baby, but he couldn’t help but be upset with her.

‘She should’ve known to be more careful...more calm’ David thought. He sighed and shook his head, completely ashamed of himself for thinking such thoughts. David stood from his chair and slowly moved across the room then gently laid down on the bed beside his wife.

“I’m sorry...I’m so sorry” Jaslyn whispered as tears streamed down her face. She could see the pain in David’s eyes, the agony of losing their baby. “It’s not your fault baby girl...God I’m so sorry” David apologized as he gently pulled her into his arms, his embrace tight, yet tender, “I should’ve been here for you, and I wasn’t. Please forgive me Jaslyn...I don’t know how to fix this. I just don’t know.” Jaslyn whimpered as she tried to contain the sobs working their way into her throat.

“It’s not your fault David, please don’t think it is. We’ll fix this together” Jaslyn whispered as she clung to her husband with all her strength, needing to feel his love and strength surrounding her. The most painful part for her was the fact that even though David was holding her and telling her he wishes he could fix everything, she could still feel a distance within him. Jaslyn wanted to toss her head back and scream her pain out to the world. She could only pray that the loss of their child would not drive her husband away from her, but she had a sinking feeling, that this tiny developed distance, was the just the top of the ice burg.


Glenn stared at Mark with wide eyes, his jaw dropped open. “She...she lost the baby?” Glenn whispered as he slowly backed up then lowered himself into a crude wooden hospital chair. “You would’ve thought that after everything that’s happened with Stephanie that nothing else so horrible could happen to any of us...well we were wrong” Mark stated softly, his voice distant. Both Mark and Glenn couldn’t even imagine the pain that Jaslyn and David were suffering and they both desperately wanted to be there to comfort her in any way they could.

“God how could this all be happening?” Glenn whispered as he slowly ran his hands over his head. Mark shook his head and slowly took a seat beside him. “I don’t know, man. I wish none of this was happening. Has Stephanie woken up at all yet? Anything?” Mark asked as he glanced over at her motionless form. Glenn looked over at her as well and sighed heavily before shaking his head.

“No...I’ve been talking to her non stop but she hasn’t responded. She’s so lost, and she can’t find her way back. There’s nothing I can do about it...that hurts the most” Glenn said as he rose from his chair then carefully laid back down beside Stephanie. Mark moved to the opposite side of her bed and reached out to stroke her forehead.

“Come on Steph...come home” Mark whispered before backing away a few steps, “I’m gonna go see if I can check on Jaslyn, but I highly doubt they’ll let me in to see her.” Mark took his leave and Glenn turned his attention back to Stephanie. “Please wake up Stephanie...God, just please wake up. Can you hear me, Stephanie? Can you hear me at all?” Glenn whispered in her ear as he stroked her long red locks.


Stephanie fought through the fog, trying with every ounce of her minds strength to listen to Glenn’s voice and follow it. She had been listening to his voice waft to her then slowly dissipate from her. She wanted to call out to him, but no matter how hard she willed her voice to work or her mouth to move, nothing heeded her. ‘I have to get to him...I have to find my way home’ she thought as she pushed through the confusing mists of her mind. ‘Light...I can see light’ she thought frantically, ‘colors now too.’


Glenn placed a soft kiss on Stephanie’s cheek before letting his gaze once again fall on her pale face. He immediately tightened his hold on her when he saw her eyelids moving, her lips slowly parting. “Stephanie” he said softly, trying to guide her to him, “Stephanie listen to me.”

Her eyes slowly fluttered open, her vision extremely blurry. As moments passed, things began to take shape until finally, Glenn’s beautiful face was right beside hers. “Glenn...” Stephanie whispered, her voice extremely raspy and weak. “Yes...it’s me” Glenn exclaimed, trying desperately to keep himself under control. She was awake, Glenn almost could not believe that Stephanie was finally awake.

“I love you Glenn” Stephanie whispered as she used all of her strength to lift her arms, allowing her hands to wrap around one of Glenn’s. “I love you too Stephanie. I don’t think you’ll ever know just how much I love you” he replied as he pulled her closer to his body, feeling the life pulsing within her body.

“I had a dream about you” Stephanie whispered as she looked deep into Glenn’s eyes, never wanting to look away in fear it would be the last time she would ever be lost in those deep blue pools. “About me?” Glenn asked softly, a smile beaming on his face. Stephanie took a deep breath as she tried to recollect the dream she had while lost in her mind.

“We were walking down the beach...the sky was blue...” she whispered. “And then?” Glenn prompted gently, eager to hear her tale but also wanting her to rest and save her strength. “You bought me ice cream” she whispered softly as a smile spread across her lips, “and we were married.” Glenn felt tears prick to his eyes at her words and he held her tightly in his arms.

He watched as her eyes slowly drifted closed, but Glenn knew with all his heart that this time she would not be lost to him as she was before, she would simply rest in a peaceful sleep in his arms, surrounded with safety and security that Glenn would guarantee her for the rest of their lives.

Chapter 35

Four Months Later

Stephanie looked around the room and couldn’t help but smile. It had been a few weeks before she had been released from the hospital, but once she was, Glenn immediately took her back home. She wanted nothing more than to be back in Tennessee, in her and Glenn’s bedroom.

Jaslyn and David were at home as well, only there was no wonderful homecoming full of hugs and kisses to their new baby as it should have been. Jaslyn was handling the news considerably well, however David was not faring as intact. He was very insistent that they try for another baby and he was very adamant that the loss of their baby lay on Stephanie’s and Kane’s shoulders. Jaslyn desperately tried to ignore his outbursts when Stephanie’s name was mentioned and then began to ignore her husband. Jaslyn could only hope this was something their marriage could overcome.

“Any news yet?” Stephanie asked Glenn as she reclined on their bed. Glenn sighed heavily and sat down beside her. “No...not yet. Try not to worry Steph, the cops have been looking for him ever since the night it happened and we have more patrols around here than we could imagine” Glenn said as he slowly ran his hand over her stomach, trying to reassure her of her safety. Stephanie bit her bottom lip as she thought about the last time she saw Kane. He had looked at her with such a confusing juxtaposition of hatred and love that it had hurt just as much as the bullet wound.

A deep fear of Kane still resided inside her heart. She never wanted to fear anyone, but she had thought she was safe, and her and Glenn’s lives could finally move forward. However, she learned the hard way that this entire ordeal was far from over.

“They won’t find him” Stephanie whispered as she stared up at the ceiling. Glenn sighed and moved to lay down beside her. “Steph...he can’t run forever, someone is bound to see him and turn him in” Glenn stated despite the uncertainty he felt. Stephanie lifted her head and smiled into his eyes.

“Thank you for trying to help me not worry, but I know that anything is possible. They could find him today or they could find him tomorrow, or who knows, they might never find him. I’m just tired of being scared, I’m tired of having to run away just to be safe” she stated sadly as she slid her hands up Glenn’s large arms. He carefully wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close against his side. “I know baby girl, I know. I promise you won’t have to hide from him forever” Glenn whispered as he stroked her back lovingly.

Stephanie immediately snuggled against him, savoring the feel of his arms securely wrapped around her body. Despite everything that had happened to Stephanie at the hands of Kane, her love for Glenn never faltered. She could look deep into Glenn’s eyes and see only Glenn, not a trace of his brother. It had been hard to not see Kane when she looked at Glenn considering they were identical twins, but instead of seeing an angry, abusive man, she saw the love of her life. Glenn’s eyes sparkled with love for her, shined with kindness and tenderness, unlike Kane’s whose glinted with evil intentions and were cold and hard as stone. Stephanie lifted her hand and slowly trailed her fingers down his cheek.

“I love you, Glenn” she whispered as she gazed deep into his eyes, burning him into her mind’s eye. Glenn smiled and turned his head to kiss her hand before taking a hold of it and pressing it against his heart.

“I love you, Stephanie” he whispered back, pouring his heart into those four words. Stephanie watched with confusion as Glenn slowly sat up then slid off the bed and held out his hand to her. She placed her hand in his and felt comforted by Glenn’s reassuring smile.

“What’s going on?” Stephanie asked as she stood before him, her head tilted back so she could look up into his eyes. Glenn just smiled as he reached to his left and pulled open the tiny drawer of their bedside table. Tears welled in her eyes when she saw the tiny velvet box resting in his large hand.

“Stephanie...after everything that has happened, I’ve realized just how pointless my life would be if I had to live it without you. It’s time to forget about Kane and leave him in our past. Now it’s time for us to look towards the future and I don’t think there is any better way than this way” Glenn said softly before opening the box. A sparkling tear drop diamond on a white gold band greeted her eyes.

Glenn carefully extracted it and set the box aside before lowering himself to one knee. He was very thankful to know that the tears in Stephanie’s eyes were tears of joy, unlike the tears of pain that had been spilling from them for too long.

“Stephanie, will you give me the honor of being my wife?” he asked, such hope swimming in his eyes. Stephanie clutched his hand tightly with both of hers before nodding, her tears finally spilling down her cheeks as a smile spread across her face.

“Yes, of course I will” she finally answered. Glenn slipped the ring onto her finger before leaping to his feet and scooping his new fiancee up into his arms and swinging her around. “God, I love you so much Stephanie” Glenn stated with such laughter in his voice as he held her close. “I love you too Glenn...more than anything in the world” Stephanie replied, her arms tightly wrapped around Glenn’s neck.

Once they both composed themselves, they walked hand in hand down the stairs and into the kitchen. “I’ll make lunch” Glenn stated as he started to rummage through the refrigerator. “Okay, I’m going to run outside and grab the mail” she informed him before pulling opening the front door then walking down the porch. The sun was shining brightly and a warm breeze wafted across her face as she made her way down the driveway.

Fall would be turning the leaves red, orange, and yellow soon, so she planned on enjoying the warm weather while she could. “Bills, bills, junk, bills” she muttered as she sifted through the pile of white envelopes she removed from the mailbox. She smiled when she saw her name printed on one of them and thought about how wonderful it was going to be to see Glenn’s last name attached to her first name.

Once back in the house, Stephanie sat down at the dining room table and continued with the mail. “Is turkey grinders okay, baby girl?” Glenn called to her from the kitchen.

“Perfect” she replied as she pulled out an envelope from the pile. It was a small letter with only her first name scrawled across the front, not even a return address. She carefully unsealed it then pulled out the folded paper inside. Her mind raced as she tired to figure out who it could be from. She unfolded it as she stood from her chair and made her way back out onto the front porch.

Stephanie,

How does it feel to be home? I wouldn’t know how that feels considering I have every cop in Tennessee looking for me thanks to you, but everything is fine. The good news is that you’re doing just fine, your hale and happy. You always had happiness with me until you decided to start thinking and listening to Jaslyn and Glenn. I never meant to shoot you Stephanie. I NEVER wanted to hurt you, but you forced me to those drastic measures. I want you to know that I love you, and sooner rather than later, I WILL have you back in my arms. Remember Stephanie...I’m watching you...ALWAYS!

Love
Kane

The letter fluttered to her feet as Stephanie’s hands began to tremble violently. She knew Kane was far away, he was simply trying to scare her. She tried desperately to believe that thought as she bent over and retrieved the letter from the floor. Stephanie reread it over and over, praying that her eyes were merely playing tricks on her. She whimpered with resignation that the letter was real and sighed heavily.

Stephanie slowly lifted her head when she sensed movement out of the corner of her eye and immediately froze. Kane was leaning against the banister at the opposite end of the porch, his arms crossed over his chest. A scream was torn from her throat as Kane smiled sadistically at her, his eyes piercing her soul. “Always, Stephanie” he stated darkly, his onyx eyes sparkling with laughter, “ALWAYS!”



The End