Chapter Eight. (Heads up- this chapter jumps around a bit more than usual so just a reminder- italics are flashback. Also- warning- this is definitely in the M department. I'll be changing the rating shortly!)

'Dan came'

'Yes' She knows.

He licks his lips. 'I can't believe what lengths he's willing to go to. He said he saw you. He said he saw you and Nate kissing at his annual party'

She rises to her feet then, her arms move around herself protectively.

His brow furrows as he watches her walk to the barred window. She says nothing. Her reaction, her lack of words has an uneasy feeling forming in his belly. 'Peyton?'

'That's not what happened' She whispers. Looks at him nervously.

'What?' He grinds out.

'He...he did kiss me'

'What?'

'I...I didn't kiss him. Of course I didn't. He kissed me and then I hit him' Lucas squints at her in disbelief and she hurriedly carries on. 'I...I didn't tell you because he, he was drunk and you were trying to help him! I didn't think it meant anything and I knew it'd cause a huge row between you and him and I, I didn't want that. I know how much you getting that relationship back meant to you and I just thought...I never thought he...I thought it was all just...Don't be mad-'

'You keep lying to me' He breathes out.

'I didn't lie. I didn't tell you!' Her eyes briefly do a lap of the room to the other visitors because she's sure they're drawing attention. Attention she doesn't want.

'I could've..if I'd known he'd fucking tried it on with you I could've fucking stopped what he did to you Peyton!' He can't filter his thoughts in that moment. Rage is pulsing through his veins. Because there were signs. Signs that he'd been clueless to. That he shouldn't have been clueless to because she was meant to confide in him.

'Don't say that! Don't you think I don't already know?! Don't you think I've already spent enough time going over every little fucking second!' She hisses quietly. 'I don't need you telling me so. I know it's my fault! I know I made it happen! I asked him to dance with me' She mutters. 'I was just mucking about. I wasn't flirting, I swear I-'

'God I know you weren't' He hastily cuts her off because he fears his outburst has come across as an accusation and that's not what he'd meant. 'It's not your fault! You didn't make this happen' He pinches the bridge of his nose. He's seen her dancing with other men. Friends. He knows it's only ever innocent. Knows she can't flirt to save her life. Has watched her attempt to make him jealous on a few occasions when he's claimed she was useless at the art of flirting. True to form she'd become a flustered mess within seconds with him always swooping in to save her. Him drawling in her ear that she'd have to stick with him until the end of time. It made his heart flutter because he knew her inability stemmed from her feeling like she was betraying him. Even though he was watching. Even though he knew it wasn't real.

'...You've not been sure though have you?'

'What?'

'You thought I was having an affair Luke' She whispers.

He exhales heavily. 'Because I didn't know the truth. Because you were hiding so many things from me and the only thing I could come up with that explained your behaviour was that you were either ill or there was... someone else...Now I know what I do it's...it's all so obvious'

'I couldn't blame you for thinking...but I, I swear. I swear on our children's lives I'd never, never-'

'I know Peyton'

'I told him if he ever laid his hands on me again I'd tell you. He said he was sorry! He'd been drunk. He seemed sincere. I thought it was just the drink so I, I let it go...Don't hate me'

'Of course I don't hate you' He mutters. '...Come sit back down' She hesitates before rejoining him. 'You've gotta be honest about everything though Peyt' He murmurs as she sinks back into the opposite chair. 'All of this is going to come up in court. I don't want be surprised. I don't want them to find reason to point the finger at you anymore than they already are. My lawyer needs to know everything. However small and irrelevant you think it is... Is there anything else?'

She worries her bottom lip.

'Peyton?...'

'...Brooke's Birthday...do you remember that night?'

'Here'

'Oh. Thank you' she gratefully takes the wine, her brow kinked suspiciously because he's now empty handed. 'Was this yours?'

'No, no. I got it for you. I'm trying my hand at being sober tonight'

'Oh really?' She smiles.

'You told me to get it together didn't you?'

'...I did'

'I'm trying'

'I'm proud of you Nate. Luke is gonna be too, he's not getting in till late tonight'

'Did I hear my name?' Lucas slides up beside them then, hand possessively pulling his wife into his side.

'You're here!' She beams.

'I'm here'

'But your meeting?'

'Went well. I managed to get on an earlier flight' He nods hello to his lurking brother with a smile.

'Sneaky' She hits his chest lightly.

'Mhm. New dress?'

'Uhuh. Brooke insisted'

'I like Brooke. You're so hot Mrs Scott'

She shakes her head and he enjoys the blush that works it's way onto her cheeks. It never gets old. 'I'll go get you a drink-'

'I can do it-'

'No, no. Let me. You want anything Nate?'

'I'm good'

'Be back in a sec' She smiles.

'Hey, hold up' Lucas holts her departure. 'I didn't get my kiss yet' She rolls her eyes but indulges him with a chaste kiss. 'Really?'

'Patience is a virtue buddy' She chants before running off.

'You two are gross'

'Oh, I know. But I really don't care. Can you blame me? Look at her' He shrugs indifferently. 'No drink?'

'Your darling wife persuaded me the other week to give this sober thing a go. I've been trying'

'She did did she?' His brow shoots up because of course his wife has managed to be more persuasive than his efforts. 'Well yet another reason I love her'

'How was your meeting?'

'Good. I need to get my head down and get on top of shit to meet this deadline. Work kinda took a backseat over the last couple months with the move. So how long have you been giving this sober thing a go?'

Nathan crosses his arms. 'A week or so. Nothing too impressive'

'It's a start Nate. If you keep to this it'll be a brand new beginning. Only good can come from it'

'I hope so...thanks man...I know I've not given you much reason to wanna be in my life and yet...'

'We're brothers. Nothing will change that' Lucas pats his dark haired sibling on the back. 'Oh god' His eyes have trailed back to his wife who has found company in her best friend at the bar. 'Brooke is making her do tequila...there goes my expectations of getting laid tonight'

'I was under the impression Sawyer could hold her liquor'

'Sawyer is nine' Nathan rolls his eyes at his brother's snarky retort because he knows very well what Sawyer he was referring to. 'And she won't be trying that out for another twenty years thank you very much'

Nathan snorts. 'You're dreaming if she's anything like her mother she's going to be giving you hell'

Lucas squints at his brother. 'What's that suppose to mean?'

'You can't deny she was a wild cat in school. At least the short time I was there anyway. She got you in trouble all the time'

Lucas laughs then at the memory. 'Oh yeah. Such a rebel. I think most kids skipped school at some point. And her making me hang out at the River Court, those were some of my favourite days' He fondly remembers.

'You'd be alright with Sawyer skipping out on school then?'

'Oh hell no. Sawyer isn't gonna loose her Mum though. Peyton was her age now when her Mum died. It effected her teen years more than anything. Sawyer won't be going through that. And Sawyer isn't her Mumma. She's my little rule follower' Lucas lets his eyes trail back to his wife who is being encouraged to down another shot. 'Don't do it' He whispers, hopes his stare will somehow win power over her. He's not successful. She's soon swigging back the substance. Lucas sighs. 'Nor as impressionable as her mother is. Always the bloody Tequila. She never learns. I'm gonna have to intervene otherwise my night is gonna be spent holding her hair while she pukes'

'She needs to take her own advice. Quit the alcohol' Nathan jibes.

'Uhuh you can tell her that. Lead the way little brother...'

'...Brooke's Birthday at Trek. You thought I was gonna be late' He recalls.

'You surprised me' She murmurs. 'I drank a lot that night remember?'

He remembers. He remembers that night well. Maybe not the Trek portion. His memories are crystal clear when it came to their arrival back home.

'Peyton Scott what're you doing?'

She's just sunk to her knees before him and bites her lip as she looks up at him. 'What does it look like baby?'

It takes all his will power not to ignore the reservations he has and let her continue with her looking up at him like that. 'I don't think so'

She pouts and clings to his thighs. 'I do'

'You know I don't know if to be insulted' He hums, his hands stroking over hers in an effort to slyly remove them from his legs.

'Your wonderful wife wants to blow you and you're insulted?'

'Well you always wanna do this when you're drunk. Is it that unbearable that you have to be intoxicated?'

'That's such a lie it, it...'

He laughs at her face because she's gone from glaring up at him with a seductive gaze to looking confused as she tries to put forth a case he knows she's gonna be incapable of doing right now. 'Really? Well my all time favourite was when you threw up midway. Real sexy'

'You always like to exaggerate that little story. You finished'

'No. No I didn't' He laughs. 'Most pain you've ever inflicted upon me I might add'

'Poor baby'

'It wasn't funny'

'No. What a bitch'

'Uhuh. My wife is the worst'

'The worst' She agrees. 'But you still love her'

'Yes' He drawls. 'But I'm not interested in a repeat showing thanks. Come on. Get up'

'No' She whines. 'I'm not gonna throw up'

'Peyton' He complains. 'Stop looking at me like that' He pleads because his self restraint is dwindling.

'Wanna know why I really don't try and do this too much?' She murmurs and she's definitely got his attention. 'I know how much you like it and I don't want you getting bored of it'

He squints down at her. 'Bored of it'

'Yeah. I see the way you look at me when I do it. You're beside yourself. You wouldn't be like that if I dished these out willy nilly'

He smirks then because she's saying words that don't usually come out of her mouth and it's funny. As is how pissed she's going to be tomorrow morning when she realises she's shared her ridiculous theory with him.

'You're serious? I've been deprived of having this whenever I want because you're worried I'm gonna tire of it?' He asks incredulously.

'You would'

'No. No I will never ever tire of this. Of you. Of you in anyway Peyton Scott' He's a little astounded. 'So you don't hate doing it?' He was under the illusion that she just wasn't that into this and he didn't like the idea of her doing anything that she didn't like. He can't quite believe they're only just having this conversation after nearly nineteen years of being in a relationship.

'Hate it?' Her own brow furrows. 'I don't hate it at all' She corrects him.

'Right...right...' He nods and she bemusedly watches him.

'Right?'

'You're doing this more often' He blurts then.

She kinks her eyebrow then. 'I am?'

'I thought you didn't like it!'

'You've thought I've spent the last eighteen years doing this just to make you happy?'

'Uhuh and I feel fucking guilty whenever I let you'

'Wow I'm a pretty awesome wife doing shit I don't want for you huh?'

'No turns out you're a mean wife! You really don't mind it?'

'Are you kidding me?' She's pouting again. 'I don't not mind it. I like it Luke'

He looks pained most suddenly. His hands stop keeping her fingers at bay then in favour of stroking over her cheek. 'Fuck Peyton'

'How can't you know that?'

'Because! You never initiate it-'

'I just told you-'

'Hang on, do you get bored of me going down on you?'

'Hell no'

He widens his eyes exasperatedly at her. 'Well I can assure you I'd never get bored of you doing this!'

'It's different for you' She disagrees. 'Men get bored. We've been together so long now I need something to keep you interested' She's confiding insecurities he's been clueless to and he wonders if her being drunk is freeing true fears or having her be overly dramatic.

He grips her chin. 'I'm not bored. I'd never get bored of you. Zero effort is required in keeping me interested. Zero. I've only got eyes for you. Sweetheart I wouldn't even know how to be with anyone but you-'

'Because you've only ever known me. You go on about how hot that is but you must wonder what magical pools you could dip your toes into if-'

'Shush' He puts his finger over her mouth. 'You're completely mine in every way Peyton Scott and that's all I've ever wanted. And it still is the biggest turn on' He rubs his thumb over her bottom lip. 'God you're so fucking beautiful it actually hurts'

She smiles, shuffles closer. 'You're so dramatic'

'I'm really not'

She kisses his thigh and her hand slides up to his belt. 'I'll make it stop hurting' She coyly hums as she fiddles with the buckle.

'You swear you don't feel sick because if you start this and I have to carry you into the bathroom and spend the next forty minutes holding your hair back with a hard on...' He shakes his head and she laughs. 'It's not funny!'

'No' she purses her lips together and tries her hand at being serious. 'I'm fine Luke. I don't even feel drunk anymore'

'Yeah well you look it'

She frowns. 'You want me to do this or not?'

'I do, I do. You're beautiful' He bleats.

She rolls her eyes at his effort to placate her but indulges him by yanking his belt free and unfastening the zip.

She's about to tug his trousers down when he's halting her. 'Wait, wait'

'What now? My fucking knees are hurting down here you know'

'Sorry, sorry. I just, I want the dress off before you...' He looks like an excited puppy and she can't help but smile.

'Fine' He easily pulls her up to her feet. She sways a little and he holds her steady.

'You alright?'

'Uhuh. Will you quit it with the are you okays?'

'Sorry, you can't blame me after-'

'Can you stop bringing up the time I threw up all over you. I'm trying to be sexy over here'

'Sorry, sorry. You don't need to try in that department though Peyt' He tugs her forward, draws her into a kiss, his hands skilfully moving behind her to locate her zip.

'I'm not wearing a bra' She mumbles into his mouth.

'I know' He grins.

'How do you know?'

'It's strapless' He's referring to her dress.

'I could be wearing a strapless bra'

'But you're not'

'Oh god' She pulls back and looks down at herself. 'Can everyone tell?'

He laughs at her. 'Not unless you've been letting other men touch you up all night. I'm an expert at figuring out what you're wearing beneath clothes. Didn't you know?'

'You're such a...guy sometimes'

He's got the zip completely undone now. 'Mm..and you're such a girl' He hums as he tugs the fabric up over her head to reveal her. 'Such a girl. Fucking Christ' He fumbles in his pocket.

'What're you doing?'

'I need a photo'

'No you fucking don't Lucas Scott'

'Oh come on. I really could've done with this picture last night when I was all alone in my hotel room' Her hand blocks the lens being pointed in her direction.

She snorts. 'Your imagination can suffice. I'm sure you can picture me in your head just fine. I don't want that shit ending up anywhere. Have you forgotten your daughter likes to go through your phone'

'I could have a secret dirty girl Peyton Scott folder'

'Not happening'

'You're no fun'

'No?' She confiscates his phone, tossing it onto the bed behind. 'I think' She slides her hands into the waistband of his trousers and slowly sinks to her knees, pulling his pants and boxers down in one. 'I can be pretty fun. No?'

He smiles. Twirls a lock of her hair around his finger. Lets go and watches it ping back. 'I like your hair curly'

'I know. It reminds you of me at sixteen. All innocent and sweet'

He laughs then.

'What's so funny Lucas Scott?'

'You. Innocent and sweet. I don't think you were ever that'

'Hey jerk'

'What?'

'I was too! I gave you my innocence! And I can be sweet'

'Oh so sweet'

'I can' She looks up at him through her long lashes with a demure expression.

His finger trails over her bottom lip, setting it free from her teeth. 'No baby. You're stubborn, exhilarating, sometimes shy, fucking adorable-'

'Adorable means sweet'

'No sweet in my head is clueless and submissive'

She laughs. 'Well that's not what sweet means. And I too can be submissive I'll have you know'

'Yeah? That would be a first'

'You say while I'm on my knees?'

His hand tightens in her hair and she gasps as he coaxes her head forward.

'Is this why you like it so much? Cause you feel like I'm beneath you?' She wonders.

He knows exactly what she's attempting to articulate but he can't help but smile because she didn't word it right. 'There's no feel about it. You are. Literally'

'I mean like you're controlling me?'

'Maybe a little. Is that bad?'

'No' Her shoulders shrug. 'You're just all about us being equals so it's kinda funny that it's the control thing that turns you on'

'This doesn't change that. We are equals darling. I'm completely yours. You're completely mine. Right?'

'Uhuh'

'It turns me on just as much when you're running the show. Can we stop with this delightful conversation? You're killing me'

'Sorry' She smiles and shifts forward.

He groans when her lips press against him where he wants her most, his head dropping back a second later as her warm tongue slides over him. His eyes shut tight. His hand knots in her hair tight.

His fingers are more forceful than she's accustomed to and she suddenly realises that he's been restrained in this department and that thought has her clenching her legs together because this man loves her. Loves her completely in ways she still struggles to comprehend. He strives to make her happy. Strives to make sure she's always comfortable and she feels guilty because he's doubted that she likes doing this. How couldn't she when he's watching her like he is in this very moment.

She can feel his legs wobbling and pushes on his thighs. Urges him to sit on the edge of the bed behind him.

'Fuck' He curses as he jerkily sinks onto the mattress, his fingers retracting from her hair because he knows he's just forced her to receive more of him than he perhaps should but she's undeterred and he looses the plot, especially when she encourages his hand back into her hair. He briefly wonders what he ever did to deserve this angel at his feet. Wonders how she never ceases to amaze him. Never stops surprising him and god those eyes, those green eyes looking up at him so intently. Her intense gaze is ultimately what has him swiftly finding his release. He gasps out her name and gives up trying to sit up, collapsing back onto the bed covers behind him 'You're amazing' He pants. 'Fucking amazing'

She licks her lips. Smiles, slowly pushes herself up using his knees. 'I know'

He blinks as she crawls up him. 'You actually like it?'

'Will you stop! You're always vocal about how much you like going down on me, why would you assume I don't feel the same?'

'Because! You're not vocal about it Peyt'

'I told you-'

'Yeah, yeah. Well you can be vocal about it' He squints up at her. 'I'd really like it if you were vocal about it' He grins.

'Well, this'll' She pauses as she slides her legs over his waist to straddle him. 'Reassure you' She takes his hand and directs his fingers to her underwear. 'See how wet I am?' She murmurs as he wastes no time in exploring. 'That's what doing that to you does to me' She whispers.

'Yeah?'

'Mm. How could I not like making you feel good?' She clings onto him as he slides his fingers beneath the damp fabric concealing her. He smiles at the way she opens her mouth and drops her forehead to his. 'Fuck' Enjoys the way she rocks against his hand. 'Harder don't be gentle'

'Demanding aren't we?'

'You want me on my knees more often then fucking do as your wife tells you more often'

'Oh, I see how it is. You were talking shit about the whole you gotta keep me interested thing weren't you? It's all about making sure you get me to do what you want' He's teasing now. 'Well sweetheart if you're gonna come tonight it's gonna be on my terms'

'Don't be a dick' Her eyes widen as he gives her what she wants in all of a heartbeat.

'Like that?'

'Mm. Fuck I love you. I love you'

He chortles deep in the back of his throat because she just went from calling him a dick to declaring her love in all of a heartbeat. She kisses him hard. And god does he love her like this. When she's on the brink. When he knows he has the power to send her over the edge. He withdraws his hand from her.

'No, no, no' She bleats into his mouth in all of a second. 'Luke!'

'Shh' He smiles and shifts her abruptly, rolling them so she's on her back beneath him.

'I hate you right now'

'I'm a dick. You love me. You hate me. Wanna make your mind up?'

'You're torturing me' She whines.

'I can't help it. That face you're wearing right now' He grins. 'It's so cute' He slowly pulls her black lace panties down. 'Plus my torturing always works in your favour baby...mm look at you'

'Stop looking and start doing' She reaches for him, grapples his shoulders.

'What do you want me to do?' He wonders as he crawls up her, his hand firmly drifting over her right breast as he nuzzles his nose against her. 'Do you want me to go down on you?'

'Yes. No...wait are you?..you're hard again' She pants as he presses against her.

'How couldn't I be? Look at you'

'What the fuck are you waiting for then?'

'You're a potty mouth on tequila Mrs Scott, did I ever tell you that?'

'I want you inside me'

'In a minute-'

'No. I, I want you now. Please, please'

He smirks. 'Okay, okay' He makes no hurry to conform, pushes her hair back from her face. 'Did you miss me?'

'What?'

'Did you miss me?'

'Yes, yes' She agrees.

'Don't agree to shut me up Peyton Scott. You didn't miss me holding you as you fell asleep?'

She groans and throws her head back exasperatedly. 'Sawyer slept in here. We watched a film'

'Last time you did that we had her in our bed for nearly a fucking month Peyton' He hisses. 'I can't do that again-'

'She was six and that wasn't just because I let her sleep in here a couple of nights while you were away! She was scared that the grinch was gonna steal Christmas. Are we really having this conversation right now?'

'This is where you're all mine. Where I don't have to share you with anyone-'

'Show me then' She complains.

He fulfils her wishes then. Rocks into her in one motion. She arches up off the bed and a loud noise passes her lips that has his hand clumsily covering her mouth. 'Shhh' He half groans half laughs into her neck. 'Kids down the hall. You gotta be quiet'

'Am' She muffles into his palm.

He smiles. 'You're really not' He drags his fingers away. 'God I missed you'

'You can't miss someone...when you've...not seen them...for a... mere forty... eight hours' She moans again.

'Yes you really can' He slips his tongue into her mouth in an effort to silence her. 'You missed me' He murmurs. 'You're such a liar. You've been thinking about me having you like this all night haven't you?'

'Yes' He pins her hands above her head then. 'It never stops Luke. The wanting you. Never'

'It better fucking not'

She knows exactly what he's recalling and her cheeks suddenly feel hot. 'Not when we got home...Do you remember that night before we left Trek?'

He refocuses. Tries to remember the portion of the night before they got a taxi.

'I think that's enough madame don't you?' He subtly tries to ease the drink out of his wife's hand.

'Eurgh Broody you're not meant to be here' Brooke stamps her foot childishly.

'Oh it's nice to see you too cheery'

'She was mine tonight. It's my birthday!' Peyton laughs and he can tell by the way her feet are teetering unstably that she's already a little tipsy. His arm instinctively goes around her. 'No, No!' Brooke continues, her hand latching onto Peyton's and yanking her away from her husband. 'She promised me a night of dancing and fun. You don't get to ruin my birthday'

'My presence ruins your birthday?'

'No. Yes' Brooke ponders, her confusion apparent.

He does well to hide his bemusement because he is amused. Because the birthday girl is somewhat intoxicated and speaking her mind and he's not taking it to heart. Not at all.

'I just want her to myself tonight. I never have her on my Birthday'

'Well put anymore tequila in her and you're welcome to her'

'Bartender two more shots' Brooke thumps her hand on the bar top. Lucas quickly signals to the bartender to ignore the brunette's request. 'He's ignoring me'

'Perhaps it's apparent that you don't need anymore just now. I'm not gonna ruin your night Brooke. Tell you what you can have her until 12am. Deal?' He holds his hand out to bargain with his friend.

'1'

'Erm excuse me' Peyton interrupts then. 'Uh, uh. I am here you know?! You two are ridiculous. I'll decide what I do thank you very much. I'm my own person'

'We know' Both Brooke and Lucas nod slowly.

'What do you wanna do Babe?' Lucas murmurs.

She ponders the question for a long moment and comes to a predictable conclusion. 'Dance with Brooke and leave with you'

'So what we just agreed on' Brooke chants, her hand slyly reaching behind the blonde to shake Lucas's hand unbeknown to her best friend.

'You were with Brooke all night. Just tell me what he did to you' He's frowning. 'Did he kiss you again?'

'No, no...he just sort of...touched my bum'

His jaw juts out as he tries to remain calm but it doesn't matter that this happened months ago. It's happening now for him and he's frustrated because he's been in the dark far too long. 'Sort of?'

'It wasn't long before we left. I don't know where you were. Brooke had gone to the toilet. I lent into him for a moment because I thought it was you at first and then I realised it wasn't and I pushed him away... he winked at me...' She plays with her fingers. 'It made me uncomfortable...before I said anything you were there and I just told myself it was nothing. That I was drunk and overreacting, that he was trying to get by me or something. That it was probably innocent...Don't look at me like that'

'I'm not looking at you like anything'

'Yes you are. Like you're disappointed in me'

'I'm not disappointed in you...I just wish you'd told me this then... Why wouldn't you tell me?'

'...I just, I was drunk and I didn't want to make a big deal out of nothing. You'd have lost it-'

'For good reason. It is a big deal Peyt. No one asides from me touching you like that is ok-'

'No it's not! But I'm a big girl. I don't need you fighting my battles'

'Clearly. You sorted this all out just fine by yourself didn't you?' He snorts. His mouth has run away from him. '...Sorry. I'm sorry'

'Me saying no should have been enough' Her voice is small. Vulnerable.

'God I know. I know that'

'Do you?! You're blaming me and you're blaming yourself-'

'I'm not blaming you' He sternly corrects. 'I'm not. Not for a fucking second'

'...I shouldn't have needed you...I know I should've told you. I should've. I just didn't want you falling out with him because of some stupid drunken moment-'

'It wasn't a stupid drunken moment though was it? He wasn't drinking that night. You were. He knew exactly what he was doing!' He shakes his head. '...God when we were younger I worried about you all the god damn time. About some shit like this happening if I wasn't there! But over time I convinced myself I'd always be able to protect you. But I didn't. My worst fucking nightmare has come true hasn't it?! And my own fucking brother' His hands claw through his hair. 'I don't understand why you kept all of this from me, I'm your husband. You're meant to be able to talk to me! You've always talked to me and don't bloody say you didn't want to hurt me!'

'I didn't though Luke and he, he made me feel like I made it happen. I know that's insane but he did. He sent me texts that made me feel like I'd fucking led him on, that had me analysing every god damn word I'd said'

'Texts'

She grimaces as she looks at him through half open lids. 'You're dressed'

'I am' He smiles. 'It's nearly 11am. I just thought I'd check you're still alive'

'Urgh...Head...hurts'

'Uhuh. Water and tablets next to you baby' He reaches over her and grabs the the pillows from his side of the bed. 'Here sit up'

'Urgh' She groans as she shifts herself up the bed, Lucas helpfully fluffing his pillows behind her.

'Oh dear, that bad huh?'

'You're not very good at controlling me' She pouts.

'Hey, I tried' He hands her the water that she's blindly trying to locate.

'I ache all over'

'Again. Not my fault'

She opens one eye. 'Hungover. Not suffering amnesia honey' She pops the tablets he's extending out to her. Winces as she swallows them with water.

'You demanded I shouldn't be gentle'

'That doesn't mean you have to look so smug about it' She shakily tries to put her water on the bed side table.

He laughs and takes over the small task for her. 'I'm not!'

'No laughing' She whines. 'If you're gonna be a jackass just go away'

'Oh baby don't be moody'

'How many times Luke. When someone is fucking miserable you don't tell them so. You say sweetheart what can I do to make you feel better?' She grumbles as she sinks back into the pillows behind her.

'Sweetheart what can I do to make you feel better?' He drawls.

She scowls at him.

He smiles. Sits down on the edge of the bed. 'Want me to do the tickle thing on your hand?'

She throws her hand out to him in answer and he begins to run his fingertips over her palm. '...mmm. I like it'

'I know'

'It reminds me-'

'Of being little. I know. Your Mum use to do it'

'Mummy! You're awake!'

'Urgh' She grimaces at her daughter's shrill entrance. Grimaces because she's not ready to be Mummy just yet. 'Quiet voice right now Sawyer'

Lucas's ministrations halt. 'Mummy drank too much kiddo'

'Luke' Peyton whines.

'You never learn Mum' She wags her hand at Peyton. Reciting words she's heard her father mewl in her mother's face many a time.

'I need to learn not to tell Daddy secrets because he clearly doesn't deserve them' She retorts.

'Secrets?' Sawyer murmurs.

Unlike their daughter Lucas knows what his wife is referring to and insinuating.

'You should tell Daddy secrets' He blurts. 'We decided last night you're going to tell him secrets all the time from now on. Always'

'Not if he gives me reason not to'

'You've already told me the secret. You can't take that back!'

'I can do what I want'

'You two are crazy' Sawyer chants. 'I think it was safer downstairs'

Lucas' face pales then because he momentarily forgot his daughter's presence and the true subject matter at hand isn't something he wishes to talk about before the nine year old, even if she is completely clueless. 'She's got a point huh?' He utters in her wake. 'We're crazy' Peyton smiles wearily at him. 'Sorry I threw you under the bus'

'Sorry you ever doubted that I liked doing that to you' She sleepily answer.

He laughs. 'I'm only sorry, I never fucking talked to you about it before-'

'I'm coming in' Oliver's announcement startles them both. 'Are my sweatpants in your draw again?' The seventeen year old avoids looking at them both and marches over to the chest of draws.

'Ollie, you ok-?'

'Uh uh' He wavers his hand out ceasing Peyton's enquiry despite having just asked a question. He's suddenly not keen on hearing his darling mother's voice 'Don't wanna hear your voice thanks mother. I'm busy trying to rid my brain of the delightful visuals you created for me last night. Why couldn't I have normal parents?' He grumbles into the open draw before him and rifles through it's contents.

Peyton's eyes bug out.

'Sorry kid' Lucas mutters sympathetically. 'Try the left draw...I did try to keep her quiet'

'Eurgh. Not helping'

'Sorry. Sorry'

'Where are my freaking sweatpants?!' He groans exasperatedly when his father's suggestion doesn't reveal the item of clothing.

Peyton swallows. Hesitates because she's just been told to stay quiet. '...Maybe try Sawyer's room' She whispers and Lucas struggles not to laugh.

Oliver's head swivels to her then, his eyes rolling. 'You can be quiet now? Really?!'

'I'm sorry honey, I over did it on the Tequila' She mutters. 'Sawyer was using pants as capes the other day. Try her room' she's suddenly just as desperate for her son to depart.

'Course she freaking was' He marches out, being sure to slam the door behind him.

Lucas laughs deep in his throat.

'Oh my god it's not funny!...We're the actual worst'

'There's no we about it! You are! Not me'

'It's your job to shut me up!'

'Asides from actually smothering you I tried everything else. Maybe next time we'll just let you keep your mouth preoccupied elsewhere' He smirks.

'So not gonna be a next time ever again' She scoffs.

'Whatever. Now I know you don't hate it I won't have any qualms about making you' He shrugs his shoulders with a smug expression.

'Make me' She snorts back. 'I'd like to see you try!'

'Uhuh. There'll be no trying about it' He grins. 'I'm gonna run you a bath'

She laughs then because he's ridiculously sweet even when he's trying to be cocky. 'Thank you'

'And then I'm gonna go give our kid therapy so he can stand in the same room as you again'

'Gees don't talk to him about it. What's there to talk about? This isn't like the time you convinced him there was an owl outside his bedroom window! He was seven!'

'He bought it! Maybe I'll try screeching fox'

'I'm gonna hit you in a minute. We're never having sex again'

'Sure we're not' He hollers over his shoulder.

She smiles into the pillow because she loves him and he's right. She'll have caved come evening. She blindly reaches for her phone laughs as she reads a text from Brooke: I'm in pain. So worth it though. Thank you for last night P. Love you.

Her smile soon fades as she looks at the next message.

Nate: Thanks for persuading me to come last night. I had a good time. Luke is a lucky man x

Her stomach knots. Because she'd not persuaded him. She'd suggested he make an appearance, hadn't been insistent. And she's remembering his hand on her ass. Remembering him winking. Remembering that look. That look that had made her feel sick. Wondering if she'd given her brother-in-law reason to think she wanted that. Wonders if she'd acted inappropriately in her drunken state.

'You alright?'

She jumps. 'Uhuh'

'Sure?' Lucas murmurs.

'Yeah. You're going to have to carry me to the bath though'

'Oh I am, am I?'

'Uhuh'

'I can do that'

'Luke' She gets up. Walks around the table and grapples for his hand.

His eyes dart to the approaching guards.

'Mrs Scott you need-'

'He's my husband and he's feeling his daughter move' She presses his fingers into her belly. Glares at the hovering man. Dares him to argue.

'Michael, will insist you don't touch. He'll be in here in five minutes' The guard mutters sympathetically and backs away.

Neither of them respond.

'She's moving?' Instead Lucas murmurs, his eyes focused on his wife because he can't feel anything.

'No' She murmurs back quietly. 'I've not felt her move yet. I just thought he might leave us alone'

'Sneaky' His other hand sweeps around her. Pulls her closer. Takes the brief moment they've surprisingly been granted and presses his lips to her belly. She threads her hand through his hair. 'All these moments I've had with you over the last six months aren't how I remember them' He utters. 'My head feels like its going to explode'

'They are how you remember them. Don't focus on 10 seconds of a night, it doesn't matter...I've already lost so much. Don't let him fuck up the good memories you have of me. That night was a good night no?'

'Mm. Well it was for me but I wasn't being harassed'

'It was hardly harassment'

'No? Peyton he raped you. All these little incidents might have felt like little incidents but they're not. They were just building up to him forcing himself on you and I was fucking oblivious to it all'

'...well so was I...I never thought...what if it is my fault? What if the jury sees it as my fault?'

'What?'

'I mean what if, if I did give him the wrong idea Luke? I, I didn't want, I wasn't trying but I danced with him at your Dad's. I didn't tell you that he'd kissed me. I leaned into his touch when I thought it was you-'

'And you told him fucking no. You hit him when he kissed you. You told him not to touch you again. You said no and like you just said, no should be enough. No means no. Sweetheart please, please don't think for a moment that you're to blame for this because you're not. You're absolutely not'

'Well you're not either' She gasps and his stare jerks to the fingers he still has pressed to her belly.

'Was that... did she?'

'I...I think...' The familiar feeling floats over her again as she feels a more distinctive tugging sensation in her belly. 'Yes'

A wide smile touches his lips. Their current conversation forgotten in all of a heartbeat. 'That's the first time she's?'

'Uhuh' She smiles back. 'She must know who her Daddy is'

'Of course she does...I'm sorry Peyt. I didn't mean to get angry, I'm not angry at you, I'm just, I hate this. I hate being in here when I know you're dealing with all this by yourself. I'm meant to be looking after you'

'I don't need looking after. I just need you to, to get out of here for when she arrives...'

'I will be. I will. You have to tell my lawyer everything. Every detail Peyt. However small. No more secrets. Promise me'

'I promise. I promise'