Rio held the door to the limousine open as Aja, Shana, Kimber and Raya got inside. Jerrica stopped to touch his cheek. "Where is Jem?" He asked. Jerrica's hand froze in mid-air. "Uh, she went in the first limo with The Stingers." She winced, hating how easily that lie rolled off her tongue. An unrecognizable emotion flashed across Rio's features but it was gone before Jerrica could identify it.
"Can't Jem and The Holograms manage one nightclub appearance without you?" Rio raked his hands through the purple hair that Jerrica loved so much.
"I'm sorry, Rio." She cooed. "The after-parties are important for the group to connect with their fans on a more personal level."
"I know that, Jerrica. I just don't understand why you need to be there as well."
"So come with me, Rio. You are manager. You should be there too." Jerrica reasoned, all the while knowing what a nightmare it would be for Rio to be there. She would have to switch between her two personas often. However, with him there, Jem could avoid Riot more easily.
"No." He sighed. "You go. Have a good time."
"You haven't been to an after-party since the first stop on tour." Jerrica countered.
Rio ran his hands through his hair again and scrubbed his face. He had been trying to forget the night she was referring to. Everyone was on an energy-high from the excitement of the first concert and kicking off a world tour. Jerrica begged off, insisting she was exhausted, while he escorted the girls to an exclusive club in downtown LA. Alcohol flowed freely to anyone in their entourage. The music was loud. The dance floor was packed. He started out dancing with Aja and Kimber to the latest Michael Jackson number. Somehow in his gin-soaked haze he found himself slow dancing with Jem pressed up against every inch of his body.

His integrity was barely hanging on as it was. He didn't need to tempt fate tonight.
"I guess I just need some sleep. Have fun and I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her quickly on the cheek and held her arm as she stepped into the car. He stood in the sidewalk and watched as the limo pulled away from the curb and into the night.

Jerrica stared out the window as the streetlights whizzed by. Turmoil churned in her gut. She didn't know if she'd be able to keep ice water down much less a cocktail. The show must go on mustn't it? She sighed and touched her earring. "Show time Synergy."

∞

Once inside the club, they posed for photos, signed a few autographs and then were seated in the upper VIP section overlooking the dance floor. Jem ordered a club soda and took a seat. She spied the Stingers in the corner of the same section.

Riot was sitting on a chaise, leaned back so that his jacket fell open, champagne flute in one hand. The coloured club lights glistened off his bare chest. Rapture was cozied up to one side of him, drinking straight from the champagne bottle and whispering in his ear. Minx was in his lap, facing him, straddling his thighs with her own. Jem watched as Minx circled her arms possessively around Riot's neck and leaned across his chest to kiss Rapture on the mouth.

Riot's eyes found Jem's across the room. He stared at her with a piercing intensity. For a moment it felt like they were the only two present. Then with a smirk, Riot raised his glass towards her in a mock toast as he winked. Then he turned to cover Rapture's mouth with his and Jem looked away. At least she didn't have to worry about dealing with Riot tonight. After the kiss they shared earlier that evening she was relieved to see that he was preoccupied elsewhere.

Turning her attention back to her friends, she chatted and laughed with them, pretending to be interested in the conversation. As soon as she felt she could safely leave without too many questions being asked, she bid the girls good-night and slipped into the ladies room.

Making sure she was alone, she touched her earrings and said the words. "Show time, Synergy" intending to leave a hologram of Jem at the club to party with the rest of the group. All she heard was a crackle and then static. More interference. She grimaced into the mirror. "I do not need this tonight". She mumbled. Turning on her heel, she left the washroom and discreetly left the club through the back door to a waiting taxi.

∞

Rio gave up on sleep, sat up and threw the covers back. Flipping on the TV, he crossed the room to the mini-bar and poured himself a scotch. Not caring what program droned on in the background, he returned to the bed, propped his pillows up behind his back and stretched out his legs.

It was too warm to sleep he told himself as he pulled his t-shirt over his head and threw it across the room. The gold chain around his neck brushed his hand as he looked up at the ceiling in dismay. He wasn't kidding himself. It was his guilty conscience keeping him awake.

He was only half finished his drink when he heard a knock at his door. Biting off another oath he got up still with drink in hand and yanked the door open.

"Jerrica!" He exclaimed sounding more angry than surprised. Her expression faltered at his tone. "Rio." She stated flatly. They stared at each other for a beat. Jerrica made no move. "Do you want to come in?" He asked with a hint of impatience. He held his hand out for her's to take. Her eyes sparked as she nodded and stepped across the threshold. Jerrica remained silent while he led her into the room, her own battle swirling around her mind.

"What are you doing here?" This time it sounded like an accusation and he winced as he saw hurt flash in Jerrica's eyes.

"I thought you were going to the club." He said quietly, this time making sure to soften his voice.

"I was." She sighed, dropping her purse at the end of the bed. "I did." She trailed off. Images of Riot's mocking toast flashed in her mind. "I wanted to see you."

Rio scoffed and downed the rest of his drink. He turned his back to Jerrica and poured another which he finished in the same fashion. "Is something wrong?" She questioned. Rio gave a short derisive laugh and shook his head. Jerrica wrapped her arms around him from behind and ran her hands up his bare chest. Rio closed his eyes at the warmth that radiated from her touch. For a moment she just listened to him breathe and let herself be comforted by the rhythmic beating of his heart against her palm. Did he know her heart kept the same tempo?

And Jem's? She added bitterly. She planted a kiss between his shoulder blades. "Make love to me, Rio." She whispered and then rested her cheek against his back. He could feel her every breath warming his skin. He stood there motionless for a very long time while his private battle raged inside him. Rio felt a teardrop slide down his back and his breath hitched in his lungs. After some time, she stepped away from him and turned to leave.

There's a lot to be said about a man and the possessiveness he feels towards the woman he loves. Specifically when that ownership is threatened. Especially when it is threatened as a direct result of his own words and actions.

Or lack thereof.

As the warmth of her body left his, Rio's inner war halted, full-stop, to scream one, lone word with stunning clarity: mine.

Rio's hand shot out and roughly grabbed the back of Jerrica's arm. He twisted around and crushed her against the wall with all of his weight. His mouth descended upon hers, laying stake to his claim. The taste of her salty tears mixed with the scotch that still burned his
throat. Jerrica whimpered as his vice-like grip bit into her biceps. He tore his mouth from hers and pressed his forehead into her collarbone. Drawing a ragged breath he whispered, "Don't go".