A/N: Thank you to everyone who has followed/favorited/reviewed my story thus far, you all are the reason I continue to post and feel inspired! Please review, those mean so much to me, they let me know what you think about the story which helps me! =)

I've decided if you all ask a question in a review I'm going to answer it via PM =) It allows me to expand on the answer if I need to without taking up too much space in the chapter itself. If you ask something as a guest, of course I'll answer it at the end of the chapter still.

Enjoy the chapter guys!

(Chloe's POV)

I sat in front of my vanity mirror applying my stage make-up, getting ready to go back to work for the first time in a couple of days. It was nice to be back but at the same time I felt sad that a long dream had come to an end. Joker was nothing like I had ever thought, he had become the one person that reached out and grabbed my hand, yanking me out of my own personal hell. It felt amazing to walk down the street now, with a smile instead of multiple cautious glances waiting for Thomas to pop out. He was gone and the water suffocating me had drained away, the feeling was exhilarating.

J had kept his promise, he didn't sedate me, instead he used a blindfold. Then ordered Johnny to drive me back to my hotel so I could get ready for work tonight. I stopped at the Java Pit for a nice hot coffee before making my way to the Royal Flush. I changed into another red cocktail dress, one that formed to my body on top but started to flow at my waist line giving it a layered look, stopping right above my knees. I paired it with new white glittery high heeled pumps. I had adorned myself with diamond bangles on my right wrist and a diamond necklace/earring set to match. I felt sexier than I ever have, and I wasn't even going to lie to myself, I dressed not only for myself but for him. I wanted J to see me all dolled up. I smiled at myself in the vanity mirror. My hair flowing freely in loose curls to my midback. My make-up finished, I just added a heart lined out in red eyeliner to the left side of my eye. The Queen of Hearts was ready to return to the stage. Confidence radiated through me, so this is what it's like to be happy again, I could get used to this feeling.

Knock Knock Knock

The door surprised me, I wasn't expecting anyone. My heart squeezed at the thought of J on the other side, wanting to see me before the show. I stood and waltzed to the door, nervous and excitement rolling over in my gut. I open the door with a smile, to see Marcus standing there. He was one of the other signers at the lounge. He was a pretty nice guy as far as I know but I've only talked to him a couple of times.

"Hey, you're back!" He seemed excited to see me, smiling widely "How have you been?"

"Oh, fine." I answer immediately, suddenly feeling cautious, other men made me nervous still I guess, just noticing this I step back a bit, my confidence seeming to drain a little. "What's up?"

"You see," He sighed, then cleared his throat, "Racheal and I were supposed to do this skit for a song we had a duet for and she called in sick. Can you do it with me instead?"

Relief seems to fill me a bit and I smile, he just wants to talk about work. "Uh, sure, what song?" Always happy to help if I can.

"It's called Stay, by Rihanna. Do you know it?" He asks, and I step out of the doorway allowing him to walk in.

"Yea, it's a great song." He looks relieved at my response.

"Good, ok, so the skit is great. We did one the other night and it really got the tip jar filled. Also, people stayed longer so they ordered more drinks!" He was proud at his performance, he seemed more passionate about singing than Racheal did that one day I hung out with her.

Marcus and I go over the song and what we're supposed to do. It's a simple enough skit and as a performer I was easily sucked into it. I had done drama three years in High School and choir so this felt so reminiscent to me. The skit was two people feeding off each other in the emotional song, singing to one another and at the end they share a simple kiss. Classic attempt to draw in an audience, engross them in an emotional song by performing while singing. I was down for it and was willing to stay until he started his shift and go on an extra song.

I looked at the clock, it was time to get on stage.

"I'll wait backstage after my set ends," I say, glancing in the mirror again to make sure everything was still in place.

"It's the first song I do so you won't have to stay long after, thanks for this Chloe, I'll owe you one!" He says and we leave the room together, heading towards the stage. I feel nerves going back on stage but it quickly leaves me when the lights beam down and my first song starts. The sound immediately runs through my blood stream and I'm taken away into the beat of the music.

(Emma's POV)

I sat at the dining room table. Johnny left with Chloe blindfolded a couple of hours ago. He was taking her back to her hotel and then he was going to the club to oversee things for the night. I was thankful I wasn't stuck with that job. I took another swig of my beer, the dull bubbles fizzle down my throat. I needed to get my head on straight, the sudden emerging feelings I was having for Mr. J needed to be silenced. I was 15 and my brother was 18 when boss took us in as new henchmen. We slowly climbed our way up the ladder and gained his respect by showing undying loyalty. I've stolen for him, tortured for him, killed for him, without a single hesitation. As I grew into a woman I never realized how much I would actually care about him. Last night I messed up by interrupting, I just hope things weren't awkward.

I hear him whistling as he comes down the stairs, pushing open the door to the dining room area. He's wearing a white collared button up dress shirt tucked into his black slacks, his brown gun holster over his shoulders with his purple and white gun tucked into the holder on the side of his chest. He wore various gold chains and a watch around his wrists and gold rings on most of his fingers. Paired with his black crocodile dress shoes. His green hair neatly slicked back and I can tell he just showered up, he smells like his usual cologne. I stop myself from trying to analyze why I suddenly look at him differently. I feel my heart start to race a bit and give Mr. J a smile when he looks over at me.

"I need you to drive me down to Royal Flush tonight, got some business with Falcone about the late shipments. We might have to take out trash tonight if there isn't a good enough reason." His voice has a normality to it, assertive and low.

"You got it boss," I reply, "whenever you're ready."

He looks at his watch, "Let's go."

The drive down to the lounge was quiet, the car held a type of heaviness to it on my part. I would glance up in the rearview mirror to find Mr. J on his phone or just looking out the window. Never saying anything to me, which was a bit unusual for him. He generally would talk to me or Johnny about various things, whether it's stuff that annoyed him, business, or even a dark joke he thought was funny. When boss is quiet, it usually means trouble is about to follow. I can't help but wonder if it's because of yesterday.

I don't dare breach the subject, instead I continue to drive in silence. We reach the lounge and he gets out heading inside. I follow behind him, at his side tonight for whatever he may need. He sits down in the usual VIP booth he has set up in the back, away from the other tables so that he can talk business without being overheard. Chloe is already on stage singing, he slides into his booth and glances over at her multiple times.

"Fetch me a scotch." He orders and I head out to get him his drink. When I return Falcone and one of his henchman are at the booth. I place the drink down in front of boss and notice Johnny is standing beside him now.

"Get our friends here some drinks, whatever they want." He orders at me, not even looking in my direction. I'm getting frustrated, I never do a waitresses job, this is demeaning to me. I feel my cheeks starting to burn, annoyed and embarrassed.

"I'll have your best whiskey in the house and my friend here is on the clock, he don't need a drink." Falcone orders me and turns back to his conversation, laughing at something Mr. J has said.

I turn on my heel and leave, grabbing the best malt whiskey in the house, pour him a glass, and take it over to the table. Was this some type of test or punishment? I was his third in command and I'm fetching him drinks like some newbie.

"Thanks sweet cheeks." Falcone praises me and I turn to stand next Johnny, my usual spot.

"Go to the office, do some paperwork for the lounge if it needs it. Johnny will get you if you're needed." Mr. J dismisses me, immediately turning back to his conversation. I head to the office, Johnny was by his side, I guess he didn't need or want me there. It still didn't stop the hurt from creeping its way in.

(Joker's POV)

Falcone knew how to sweet talk a man, he had big money and could generally get anything I needed done. We were decent business associates and would bounce off one another. I used him for my gun and ammo shipments mostly but he also provided various ingredient for bombs that I created and he followed through, getting in items that no other black market could provide. The meeting with Falcone went smoother than I had planned. We drank, I told jokes, he groveled in apologies for the late shipment. He promised to make this up to me, and since we did good business in the past I let this go. I don't feel like killing one of the only men that could get rare items. You never kill your golden goose, unless he goes rabid. I'm also feeling extremely generous because of the good last couple of days I had up at the house. Since Falcone left I allowed my mind to wander into deeper thoughts. I was able to watch dollface unleash on her ex. When I planned out the favor she'd perform I never thought she'd take it in such stride. Only hesitating for a moment before she completely bashed him to pieces. Oh, and the fire in her eyes when she took the final swing to his face, I'll never forget it. Most people would crack, fall to their knees in a dramatic fashion crying afterwards or just continue to beat the shit out of the body when their dead. No, not her. She's different. Not to mention the sex… I laugh out loud and close my eyes for a moment, redirecting my thoughts. She's a fire cracker! This woman has crawled her way to every corner of my mind. What else was she capable of? I finished off my glass of scotch and ordered another.

Emma was another story. I grinde my teeth a bit, remembering the annoyance she had caused.

"Johnny."

"Yea boss?" He steps closer to my booth so he's facing me.

"Sit down, good ole boy, wanna chit chat with ya." I smile up at him and he slides down into the booth across from me. He was my right-hand man, the loyal dog I could order to do anything without meeting question or hesitation. "I want you to be in charge of the Falcone shipments that are supposed to come in. Tomorrow is – " I'm starting to tell him the business deals I need him to be aware of. My mind is suddenly distracted by the stage. Chloe and Marcus are on there doing a song together, the hot fire that she usually shows to the crowd she was showing to Marcus, singing to him. That's not what caught my full attention though, it was the smooch at the end of the song that got my blood boiling. Taken off guard by the reaction I was having, I clicked my tongue on the roof of my mouth.

"Was that planned?" I ask Johnny, pointing to the stage.

He glances over at the stage right before they pull apart and the lounge is filled with applause.

"Yea, but not with Chloe, it was supposed to be with Racheal. She called me a couple hours ago saying she couldn't show tonight… but I didn't tell Marcus to get anyone to fill in." He quickly explains, looking at my face, "The song was supposed to be on hold."

You don't touch my stuff, ever. I need to go have a little chat with Marcus.

I slide out of the booth and made my way to the back of the lounge, waiting in the hallway where the dressing rooms and my office were. I stood in a darker corner quietly and watched Chloe and Marcus make their way to their separate rooms.

"You were right, Marcus, it really got the crowd going." She said to him, so it was his idea.

"We should do another skit sometime; the crowd seems to like you more! Happy you're back!" He laughs, "Goodnight Chloe."

"Good to be back! Night," She retreats to her room, shutting the door. I make my way towards Marcus, he had just walked into his dressing room and I stalked in after him, slamming the door shut behind both of us.

I grabbed him by the back of the neck and slam him to the ground, he made a squeaky sound as his body hit the floor. I turn him over and ram my knee into his chest making him cough, knocking the wind out of him. I pulled my gun out of the holster and put the chamber to his head, glaring down at his scared face. He was clearly terrorized, crying like a little bitch, his bottom lip quivering uncontrollably, his hands palm up in defeat, he didn't even try to fight me off. I smile down at him.

"You…" I growled, "did something very wrong tonight, can you tell me what it was?"

His pathetic sob filled the room as he shook his head back and forth.

"You touched my stuff, and no one ever touches my stuff." His eyes widen a bit as his realization kicked in and he figured out what I was talking about.

"I-I'm s-s-oo-rry, I-I didn't kno-w she she was yo-urs." He shook as he answered, "p-p-please do-n't k-k-kill me! It'll ne-never hap-pen again!" He sobbed the last part, shutting his eyes tightly.

I couldn't help the laugh that came from me, "Oh I know it won't. Because if it does, I'll slice your lips off your face and then we'll have some real fun." I explain and another high-pitched squeak forms out of him, what a pathetic piece of work. I smash the butt of my gun across his face twice, wanting him to shut up, and he's out. I stood, brushing my hair back out of my face. I take out my cell phone and text Johnny.

'Clean up in dressing room 3'

I put my gun back in my holster and make my way out of the room towards Chloe's. I don't knock, just walk in. She should have known better.

(Chloe's POV)

The door slammed open and Joker stalked in, he was wearing a smile but his body language told a different story. My heart began to race, trying to decipher the mood he was in quickly. He stalked towards me without a word and pinned me against the wall with his body. He slammed his hand up on either side of me, hitting the wall so hard that I couldn't help but yelp in sudden fear. He was pissed and his eyes showed it, fury glaring down into my own wide eyes.

I didn't know how to react so I stood there, staring back up at him clueless. He stayed still for a moment and it seemed like he was debating with himself.

"Dollface" He trailed his right hand down my face, running his fingers across my shoulder blades gently and then up towards my neck where he fully grabbed, his fingers giving a gentle squeeze. My mind was racing, fear starting to creep through, feeling the tension in the room thicken. His fingers squeezed a little tighter and I instinctually grabbed onto his wrist, ready to pry his hand away if any more pressure was given. I didn't want to push him, he could snap me like a twig, I froze my body, cautiously waiting for his next move.

"You…" He dragged the word out, never breaking eye contact, "You are taking me down a path of confusion." His voice is low and dangerous, laced with rage. I would know a dangerous voice anywhere, images of Thomas flashing through my mind. His fingers tighten further, his silver teeth grinding slowly together and I freeze like a deer in headlights, my hands dropping to my sides, feeling warm tears threaten to spill from my eyes as fear engulfs me. What have I done to set him off?

Unexpectedly, he removes his hand from my throat and walks towards my vanity, the mirror shatters as his fist makes contact with it. "Get the fuck out!" He growls at me. Something doesn't feel right; we were just fine the past couple of days. What has changed? My body is shaking a bit as I take a step towards him.

"I… I don't understand…" I try to reason with him, wanting to pull him back from this rage and just talk about what is bothering him.

"GO!" He screams, his eyes iced over as he stares at me. His body stiff, his chest rising and falling. There is no reasoning with him right now and I pick up my duffle and rush out. I try to slow down my brain as I begin to walk instead of run through the streets of the Diamond District. I felt a tinge of guilt run through me as I head back to the hotel, trying to rack my brain for what happened. The only thing I can think of is the stage kiss I had with Marcus. Would that really set him off like that? It's not like I was his girlfriend… and even if I was that's what stage performers do sometimes. That couldn't be the reason, Joker wouldn't get so worked up over a girl like me… would he? I mean, I still didn't know him well enough to judge. I sigh, taking a back alley short cut to my hotel, not feeling like walking the long way this time.

I should have known better and regret the decision almost instantly. Three men from the side corner of the alley start to follow behind me. I pick up my pace a bit, not wanting any trouble, my heart racing a different kind of fear than I had earlier when Joker was angry with me. This fear consumed me, I felt helpless, and I quickened my pace even more. They were right on my heels and I felt a hand grab the back of my hair and pull me down to the ground. My body hit the pavement hard and I scurried to get up only to be pushed back down by one of the men. They smelled overwhelmingly of cheap booze and cigarettes. One of them pinned me to the ground with his body, my own thrashing against his. I try to kick my legs at him but he is holding them down with his own knees, the pressure of his body weight starting to hurt. One of the others had my arms up above my head, he was holding them down to the pavement with force. Tears spilled from me again, this wasn't my first rodeo with sick and twisted men, I knew I was about to be raped. I glared up at him, my body reacting with pure adrenaline, I wasn't going down without a fight. Knock em dead, dollface, J's voice rushes through my mind and a fire is released through my body, I gather the strength to knee the man on top of me in the balls. He topples off me in pain only to be quickly replaced by the other man, a hard punch to my jawline and I whimper.

"Leave me alone!" I scream at them, only met with laughter.

"A fine ass like you shouldn't be walking down the dark alley at night," One of them said.

"She must be asking for it." Another spoke.

The men were suddenly off me; the pressure was gone and I sit up as quickly as possible. I hear the men now grunting in pain and I look to see the one and only Batman beating the crap out of these thugs. They're all knocked out quickly and he turns back to me.

"You ok?" His deep voice fills the alley. I'm shell shocked, but I'm ok. I rub my jaw where the man hit me, that was going to leave a bruise. I stood and brushed myself off.

"Yea… thank you." I barely whisper, taking in his appearance. You really couldn't see the man at all, just his black batman costume, the mask, and his cape. The only skin actually shown was around his mouth and his eyes. They showed concern and he stepped towards me.

"You shouldn't be in a dark alley at night." He spoke gently, "Hell in this town you should never take an alley, guys like this stalk for women like you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I feel irritated at his insinuation.

He chuckles, "I didn't mean anything bad by it, you just should be more careful. Where do you live, I can take you home." He offers.

"I'll be ok, I just live around the corner. Thanks though." I give him a smile, "And thanks for the help Batman." I make my way towards the end of the alley and see the building of my hotel. I turn back, just to take in a final glance but he's gone.

When I get back to my room I lock myself in, I feel suddenly safe behind a locked closed door and I let myself feel the emotions built up. I collapse on my bed and bury my face into my pillow, not able to contain the tears now. So much has happened tonight. Despite being attacked in an alley and almost raped, saved by the Bat. I was lucky I wasn't raped and killed tonight. Coming from Seattle I should have known better than to take a dark alley at night without some type of protection. I realize in that brief moment I wanted to kill those men that dared to touch me. But … I knew why I was really crying.

J almost hurt me tonight. He wanted to and I could feel his anger radiating off his body. He was so close to squeezing so tight that the airway was cut… but… he didn't. It was like he held back… so instead he hit the one thing in the room that he could and screamed at me… warning me to leave… but did he mean forever… My heart clamped down, feeling sick to my stomach. I close my eyes, taking in slow purposeful breaths, trying to calm down so I didn't throw myself into a full-blown panic attack. What was happening to me, why do I feel this way?

A/N: I hope you all liked the chapter, let me know what you thought please in a review? =)

To my Reviewers:

Irie27 – Thank you for the review =) It means a lot to me! I hope you liked this chapter!

Winter-Widow1791 – Thank you so much for another review! I'm hoping Emma takes her brothers advice to heart too =D Or it might mean bad things for her. I'm happy you loved it and that you enjoyed this chapter too! =)

Grlvct – Thank you so much for reading this story and I'm sorry the other one is on hold. I promise it'll start up again mid-April! I'm happy you like this one too! =D J definitely got possessive in this one! Thank you for the feedback, means a lot to me!

MadHatterLove7011 – Thank you so much for another review =) I had to put that joke in, I actually have a night t-shirt that I got at Walmart recently that is that exact shirt and was determined to put it in my story =D Thank you for the feedback, means a lot to me! I'm trying something out with Emma, and I'm glad you're liking it!

Jpjaney84 – Today! =D Thank you for the review, it means a lot to me!