Deadly Sins

Chapter 10: Revenge

Maryse's POV

Damn, I look good. I twirl in a circle in front of my full length mirror at my green stunning dress. Matching heels and accessories to go with it. I'm excited for John to come and pick me up. He's supposed to take me out to a fancy restaurant. My hair is done in gorgeous bouncy curls and my make-up is just fabulous. I'm sure he'll love how I look. My door bell rings and my heart races. That must be him now. I always get so nervous when I'm about to see him. I really do like him.

My heels clink on each step as I make my descent to the front door. I open the door and to my dismay find Luke Copper, my late husband's miserable son, standing on my stoop. I know exactly why he's here and my answer is the same it's always been. No. Frank Copper made it clear on his death bed not to give a cent to any of his selfish and ungrateful children. That was the whole purpose behind marrying me. He wanted me to live a wealthy life because he knew how good of a person I am. He knew his greedy kids would blow the money on pointless materialistic things. I promised him I would respect his final wishes. I don't care what Luke thinks he is accomplishing by coming here today. I'm not changing my mind.

"What do you want Luke?" I growl at the heavy set, burly-bearded man on my front step. His face is contorted into his permanent scowl. He runs a calloused, greasy hand through his unshaven beard in angst. A move I've grown accustomed to when it deals with me.

"You know exactly what I want bitch. Give me my fucking money!" He barks at me like I'm a piece of trash. The alcohol on his breath stings my nostrils leaving a foul stagnant odor in my sinus. I've tried to remain calm and respectful these past 3 years with him and his antics. Coming to my house and talking to me like I'm an unloved dog has just pushed me past my limits. A girl can only take so much abuse before retaliating.

"Listen to me you drunken son-of-a-bitch. I made a vow to your dad that you wouldn't get anything from him. He left me the money for a reason. You're nothing but a rapacious, complacent, presumptuous, insensible, selfish, good for nothing dead beat alcoholic father who doesn't even deserve to have kids let alone breath this precious air. You're nothing like your father. He never abandoned your pathetic ass while you don't even know your own kids' names. Get off of my property. You're not getting a dime from me." I glare him right in his reddened eyes not willing to back down. I've had it with his shit. Enough is enough.

"This is your last warning, Maryse. I'm tired of your shit. You're gonna give me my rightful money!" He shrieks his words in my face. Residue from his tongue splatters my face. I wipe my face with the back of my hand showing him I'm not afraid of him or his threats.

"Or what? You're going to kick my ass like you did to your ex-wife? Or are you going to kidnap me like you did your own son? I'm not afraid of you, Luke. You're not even a quarter of the man your father was. You're a failure at life. You should have killed yourself years ago when Veronica left your sorry ass. I pity your children for having a disgusting, vile man as yourself for a father." I stand my ground not inclined to allow him to defeat me in this round.

I refuse to allow a man to intimidate me and take advantage of me. My poor Frank came to me with an offer of marriage. He knew I would become successful and do great things. He wanted me to enjoy a life of leisure and ease. He knew his children wouldn't spend his money right and knew that I would be able to handle it effectively. I think I've lived up to his expectations thus far. There was a reason he decided to leave me his fortune and exclude his children. They're narcissistic imbeciles.

"I fucking warned you." His eyes glaze over as his huge hand takes hold of my fragile wind pipe. I cough and struggle to free myself as he forces himself into my home closing the door behind him. I can feel the veins in my temple throb desiring the oxygen they're deprived of. "I'll fucking kill you!" I wince as he strikes me across my face landing a direct blow to my nose. My sight turns black as I fall backward hitting my head on the hallway table on my way down to the hardwood floor. My upper lip becomes excreted with a crimson liquid as my nose throbs and pulsates from the injury.

I can feel the weight of his 300 pound frame take ownership of my torso effectively pinning me to the floor. "Where's my money!?" He punches me in the face again. I scream out in pain and panic. He's not going to stop until he gets my money. "Tell me!" He lands another blow. I can't even put my hands up to protect myself. His monstrous hands connect time and time again with my face unrelentingly inflicting torment and punishment. "I'm not gonna ask you again!" He threatens once more. I couldn't even answer him if I wanted to. My whole body is oozing with agony and I can barely breath let alone form an intelligent sentence. "That's it!" He bashes me one more time before returning his hands around my thin throat.

My eyes bulge as my neck is wrung by the pathetic excuse of a man. I can't believe my husband supplied the sperm for this piece of shit. My Frank would have never done such a thing to a woman let alone another human being. I look into the eyes of my murderer. He's not going to stop. He's serious. He's out of his mind. He's going to kill me. Just when I feel my life force being drawn from me he lets go. I cough trying to bring oxygen back to my neglected lungs.

I can feel his filthy hands on my knees, thighs, then hips. What the hell is he doing? No! I try to push him off of me but he's three times my weight. I'm helpless. Tears flow down my battered cheeks as he yanks my thong from me tossing it across the room. "Stop!"

"Shut up!" He punches me in my swollen face silencing my wails for help. "I wanna see why my dad gave you MY money. You must have one nice little pussy." His words stab me in the heart. This level of creepiness has no contender. His tainted breath hits my face like a ton of bricks. His hands fondling my unmentionable parts. I can't do anything but accept it. He's too big to fend off on my own. I'm ashamed of my situation. My tears do nothing but burn my bruises and scrapes on my cheeks.

John's POV

I pull up to Maryse's house unable to take my usual spot in her drive way. Parked in my way is a beaten down rusted out pick-up truck. Who's piece of shit ride is that? I climb out of my SUV and make my way around the side of the eyesore. I peer through the driver side window to see a foot deep pile of beer cans scattered all over the floor of the interior. What the... My stomach churns. Something isn't right here. I jog to Maryse's front door and turn the knob. Locked. I knock hard.

"Maryse!?" I call out through the thick walnut door. Silence. I pound vigorously on the door once more. "Maryse!?" Still peace. I try twisting and yanking on the knob again feeling helpless. Some strange vehicle is in her drive way and she's not responding to any of my calls or knocks. Something is going on here.

Maryse's POV

Luke muffles my mouth as John continues to bang on the door. Luke's chest heaves in anticipation for my boss's arrival. After a moment John stops yelling and pounding. It's quiet. Luke fiddles with his jeans releasing himself. I close my eyes horrified at what is going on. I can't believe this is happening. I can feel his manhood rub on the inside of my thighs and my adrenaline kicks in. I AM NOT GOING TO BE RAPED!

My willpower takes over as I throw his hand from my mouth taking all the strength in my body to do so. "JOHN!" I'm belted right in my mouth smashing my lips against my teeth. Luke's hands frantically wrap around my throat again choking me for my outburst.

"You're fucking dead, Ouellet!" He asserts his dominance over me with another right hand to my face. I can't take much more of this. I hear glass shattering out in the kitchen and hope finally surfaces for the first time tonight.

John's voice rings out through my house echoing off the walls. "Maryse?!" I try to respond but can't. My air way is restricted. Frantic footsteps draw closer and closer. Luke jumps from me in a frenzy. "Drop it!" John's voice rings through the room as music to my ears. I open my eyes my vision blurred by tears and blood. I sit up coughing and spewing blood all over the floor trying to gain my composure. I can spot something shiny in John's hands aimed at Luke. Luke holds something out in front of him as well.

"Stay back or I'll shoot her!" Luke is ragged and startled by John's sudden emergence. I can feel a hard piece of steel jam into the back of my head. I freeze knowing that a gun is forced against my skull. Just one twitch of his finger and I'm dead. "Just stay back!"

"Alright, alright. Calm down." John tries to reason with the psychopath. "Just relax. Alright?" John's voice is soothing and reassuring. "You don't need to do this."

Luke growls like a grizzly as his body shakes and quivers. "Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! All of you! Shut up!" He jumps up and down like a child. A loud bang rattles the foundation of my house. I squeeze my eyes shut not wanting to witness the gory sight proceeding in front of me. John yelps out in woe. Oh my God... What's happening? Another ear shattering blast rumbles my house. Footsteps stomp the floor and then silence commences.

I can hear my own heart rate thud through my chest. I shriek as someone grabs my arm. I jerk my arm away from my attacker. He's killed John and now I'm next. I roll on to my back and lift my legs preparing to kick Luke if he gets any closer. "Stay back!" I warn him. I hold my breath waiting for the knuckles of Luke to reunite with my face.

"Maryse, it's me." John's tone is comforting. I slowly open my eyes as he swoons over me cupping my face in his hands. His touch stings my throbbing face. "It's okay. You're gonna be okay. Come on." He lifts me from the floor holding me in his arms bridal style. My shot nerves begin to settle being in his arms. My tears burn my beaten face. I glance around my living room for my assailant. He is no where in sight.

"Where is he?" I ask, my voice pitched with anxiety. John holds me closer against him.

"He ran off." He opens the car door and sets me in his front door. I feel light headed. Faint. John becomes a blur in my peripheral vision...

I awake to a blinding light in my eyes. Where am I? It takes me a second to come to my senses. I turn my head to spot a man in white standing next to me. I open my mouth too weak to utter a word.

"Maryse? How do you feel?" The man asks with a calm equilibrium. He's a doctor. Okay. He's one of the good guys. I make a mental check. I try to lift my arm but pain shoots through my body. I wince. "Just relax. Can you speak?" I fix my eyes on his face for the first time.

He's a man of his late 30's. Tall. Cute. Bright eyed. I nod slightly answering his question.

"On a scale of one to ten, what is your pain level?" I lay my head back against the pillow taking a second to assess his question. I try to raise my arms once more only now noticing both of my hands and wrists are wrapped with ace bandages.

"7" Just this simple word sends pain soaring through my face, neck, and shoulders. Shooting cramps invade my arms and legs. I grunt out.

"Pretty bad, huh? Do you remember anything?" I close my eyes at his question. Of course I remember. I was assaulted. Beaten. On the verge of being raped. How could I forget about something like that? I nod to answer his question. His mouth hardens into a straight line as his eyes narrow. What's he thinking? "Let me just tell you, your friend, John Cena, he's giving his statement to the police. The injuries you suffered are serious, Maryse. You're going to need to rest for a few weeks. No work. No exercise. Nothing. You have a broken nose, hair line fracture in both cheek bones, multiple bruises and contusions. 3 stitches in your bottom lip. Both wrists are sprained and you've sustained a serious concussion. You're lucky John got to you when he did. You may not be alive if it weren't for him." I feel numb. Not physically. Physically I am in excruciating pain. Mentally, I feel dazed.

John's POV

I roll my eyes. These guys just aren't getting it. "Look, I told you all I know. He's about my height, heavy set, with a scruffy beard. I don't know his name. I never saw him before." I explain for the 3rd time to the officers.

"We need to talk to your girlfriend." Officer states Hinkle. I sigh.

"No. Alright, she's not my girlfriend." I state making it clear. "And she's in no condition to talk to you people. She was beaten up and almost raped. Give her some fucking space. You see, this is why no one ever wants to talk to you guys. You try prying when you really just need to let people have some time."

"Sir, you need to calm down. We're just doing our job." Officer Moore butts in.

"Look, I need to go talk to her. I'll give you his name. Alright? How's that sound?" Both officers nod finally coming to an agreement with me. "I just don't want you guys going in and asking questions getting her upset. I have your card." I flash the business card the officers gave me earlier. "I'll give you a call later."

Maryse's POV

My heart skips a beat as John's face appears around the door frame. He smiles softly upon locking eyes with me. Oh, John. I'm so grateful for you being in my life and saving me. "Hey." He comes into the room fully and I take a good look at him. Blood covers his orange dress shirt. His hands are stained with more blood and one sleeve is torn completely off his shirt. The top of his arm is wrapped with thick white gauze. I don't understand. "How you feeling?" He glances at me and then to the doctor seemingly asking us both.

"She'll recover fine. Keep an eye on her and have her take it easy." The doctor instructs John with a pat on the back before leaving us to our privacy. John makes his way closer to me achingly slow. His eyes are softened with a hint of worry.

"How are you feeling?" He takes a seat on the chair next to my bedside. He leans forward resting his hand on my forearm knowing my hands and wrists are off limits.

"I've been better." I try to play it off. John grins slightly in response. "What happened?" I ask with my eyes locked onto his arm.

"Oh this? Pfft. Nothing. Just got shot is all." He plays it off like it's nothing serious.

"What? Shot? How?" I can't believe this. Did Luke shoot him? Because of me?

"Hey, hey. Relax. I'm good." He brushes his thumb against my chin sending cooling waves through my body settling my nerves.

"What happened?" I ask. I want to know how this all came about.

"I saw his car in the drive way. Got suspicious. When you didn't answer to my calls I went around the back of the house and looked in. I saw his legs draped over yours. So I broke the window and came in. He threatened me with a gun so I pulled my own out. He shot at me and hit me in the arm. I shot back and he ran off. I couldn't really see because I was in pain but I think I hit him. I don't know. The cops are looking for him now." I nod as he fills in the blanks for me. "What happened back there? Who was that guy? Do you know him?" He changes the topic from his wound.

I roll my eyes and nod solemnly. "Yeah." I glance up at his blue eyes. They're laced with concern. I sigh before giving him a complete explanation of the situation. "He's my late husband's son. He wants the money his dad gave me."

"Why didn't you give it to him? Maryse, the money isn't worth it. Look at what he did to you. Jesus, he could have killed you." His voice sounds like a worried father.

"I know! I know." I cover my ears with my damaged hands not wanting to hear his reprimands. I'm not a moron. I know exactly what Luke's intentions were.

"You should have given him whatever he wanted." He pulls my hands down from my ears forcing me to listen to his painful words.

"I can't." I divert my eyes from his not being to able to look him in the eyes.

"Why not?" He cocks his head back into my view not letting me get off easy.

"Because..." I take a moment to gather my scrambled thoughts. "I promised Frank. He doesn't want his kids having anything. They're selfish assholes. They didn't even go to his funeral. They only came around when they thought they were going to get something. I promised Frank I'd never give his kids a cent. After everything he's done for me I think keeping my promise is worth it." I believe this. Frank married me so he can do good in his final days. He had faith in me and I'm going to honor his wishes until my last breath. It's the least I can do. He saved me from myself, after all.

"Okay, I get it. That's good, Maryse. You're a loyal woman." He talks to me as if I'm a baby. "Look, the cops were questioning me. They wanted to come and talk to you but I wouldn't let them. They need this guy's name and address. Can you tell me that?" He's intent. I can see it in his eyes. I nod.

"Luke Copper. He lives on the east half of Happy Trailer Park. Number 43." I rat on Luke giving away his home address. I refuse to be a victim to that maniac. I can't wait until he's in jail locked away so he can't harm anyone else.

"Good girl. I'm going to call the officers later and tell them. This guy's going away, Maryse. I'll see to it. He won't hurt you again. I promise." His eyes burn into mine reassuring me of my paranoia. I've half-expected this since Frank passed. Luke threatened he was going to come after his money. I guess the time had finally come. I just feel so guilty dragging John into the middle of my drama. He didn't even know what was going on and because of me he got shot.

"I'm sorry, John. This is all my fault." I look to his bandaged shoulder indicating my sorrow for his injury.

"No, Maryse. It's not your fault. Luke is a lunatic. I'm glad I was there. I don't know what I would have done if he would have... you know." I swallow hard at his words.

"Raped me?" I finish his sentence.

"Or killed you. I don't want anything to happen to you. You know that." His eyes blaze mine. There's something in there. Something I never saw in him before. He's not the same John he was yesterday. I can't pin point it but I can sense it. He's never been so tender with me before. My heart fills with promise and hope. Can this be turning into something more? More than sex? More than an affair? Something long term? My head spins with possible scenarios. John's proven more than once that he'd protect me. I trust him with my life. I think I'm falling for him.

"So, the doctors told me earlier that you can go home in the morning. What do you think about that?" He cuts into my thoughts. It takes a second to register his words. I shake my head deliberately disagreeing with him.

"No. Are you crazy? Luke isn't going to stop. He shot you and tried to kill me. I'm not going home. He'll come back to finish me off." There's no way in hell I'm going to be alone. Not until Luke is locked up. He'll come back to take me out.

"Where are you going to go?" I shrug as hopelessness creeps up on me.

"I don't know. I just don't want to be alone. He's insane. He's unstable. He'll come back to finish the job." He stares back at me deep in thought.

"Then stay with me." My face hardens into contempt and disbelief. What? Stay with him? Where? At his house? With his wife? Is he nuts?

"What? No, I can't. You're married and..."

"So what? That hasn't stopped us from coming this far. Come on. Please. I can protect you. He doesn't know where I live. You'll be safe with me." He runs his thumb across my forearm tenderly. I look up into his eyes already regretting my next question. I loathe thinking about her. Saying her name stirs hate and dread.

"What about Trish?" I focus my eyes on his face. His handsome face, for any signs of regret for inviting me to stay with him. Any sign that he loves his wife. He remains stoic.

"I'll handle it. Just don't do anything to make her suspicious. Play it cool." He insists with me. I nod and open my mouth to reply as a knock comes from the door. John sits up and clears his throat. A blonde haired woman opens the door and peers in. Her worried eyes soften as she notices John sitting next to me.

John practically jumps to his feet as the woman throws herself into his arms. He willingly reciprocates her affection with a supple kiss. My heart drops as I watch their display with nausea.

"What happened? Are you okay?" She runs her hands up and down his arms visibly shaken up by the thought of him being shot. "I was so worried about you. I..."

"Trish, I'm fine." My heart halts like a speeding car slamming into a brick wall. Trish? Are you fucking kidding me? His bitch wife is here? In my hospital room? With John? My John? I narrow my eyes as he glances back at me nervously. "Um... I want you to meet Maryse. My newest lawyer." He gestures toward me and Trish slowly turns to finally take a look at me. She seems confused to see me at first but then smiles freely not knowing that I fuck her man better than she ever did.

"Hi." She nods friendly at me. I raise my brows with a half smile. On the inside, I feel like screaming at her. Punching her in the face. I mean look at her.

All smug thinking she's the shit. You're nothing compared to me. My tits are perkier and bigger. I don't have those horrid crows feet like you. I'm thinner. Younger. More fit. More adventurous. I do things to John you never dreamed of. He's mine, bitch.

"I'd shake your hand but yeah." She points at the wraps on both of my hands with sorrow in her hallow, dead eyes. Yeah, that's just fine. I don't want to shake your hand anyway. John runs his hand over his jawline fidgeting. He places a hand on her boney shoulder.

"I need to talk to you. Come on." He runs his hand down her back stopping midway. He peeks back at me one last time before exiting the room with her. I sigh in frustration the second they leave. What the fuck was that? She doesn't give a damn about him any other time and now all of a sudden she's a loving wife? Bullshit. She threw him out and told him she didn't care where he went. That's why he came to me. Not her. He came to me in his time of need. I was there for him when she wasn't. She's not some perfect wife like she tries to portray herself as. I've been here for him when she wasn't.

I made a fucking porno with him! I watched porn with him because that's what he wanted to do. She never gave him anything he wanted. I did. I did everything he requested of me. He belongs with me. Not her. She doesn't even realize how good a man he is. She's selfish and cold. I can love John the way he deserves to be loved. I'll never take him for granted like her. I'll cherish him for the rest of my life.

John's POV

I stop about halfway down the hall from my mistress's room. That was nerve racking. Maryse and Trish in the same room. Talk about busting balls. Sheesh. I thought I was going to die from humiliation. Maryse must think I'm some kind of moron. I'm fucking her but I'm still married. I really am the jackass Trish says I am. I'm a no-good bastard. Cheating on my wife. What the hell is wrong with me? There's no way I'm telling her about the affair now. She'd kill me.

"Who was that?" Her eyes search mine as I open my mouth weary of my words.

"I told you. She's a lawyer at my firm." Guilt flushes my mind at my deceitful words.

"Kinda young, don't you think? She doesn't even look like she's old enough to drink. She..."

"She's old enough. Alright?" I can hear the irritation seeping through my voice.

"John, relax. It's fine. I'm just saying that she looks young to be a lawyer. You act like I'm accusing you of screwing her." My pulse stops at her words. Oh God. Does she know? "Geez, take a chill pill. Are you okay? I got a call saying you were shot." She places her hand on my forearm as she gawks at the gauze on my bullet wound. "How do you feel?"

"I'm fine. Look, I need to ask you a favor." I pull her hand from my forearm and hold it.

"What?" She looks me in the eye waiting for my question.

"Well, the guy that attacked Maryse is still out there. She's afraid to be home alone because she thinks he's gonna come back for her. So, I kinda offered her to..."

"To stay with us?" She finishes my sentence. I let my mouth slowly close just because I can't even continue to fathom my request. I'm really doing this. I'm actually asking my wife's permission for my mistress to come and stay at our home. I nod answering her question.

"It's fine with me. That guy really did a number on her. I don't want to feel guilty if I said no and that guy came back and did something worse." She explains her slightly selfish reason for complying. She's only saying yes so she doesn't get blamed if something were to happen. I don't know if I should be grateful or disappointed. "So, why were you at her house?" I'm drawn from my own dilemma at her question.

"What?" I heard her. I just want more time to think up an excuse.

She sighs. "I asked why were you at her house. The hospital told me the guy broke in and shot you before making his escape."

My brain nearly explodes at her question. She's observant. "Um... because..." I'm stalling. "I went by to pick up a case file. She took it home to do some deeper digging. I just went to get it. I heard her screams inside and went in to see what was going on. I got caught up in the middle of everything." I lie through my teeth. She nods seemingly believing my story.

"Oh... well, we have extra rooms. She can come by whenever she wants." I exhale in relief. That was close. Man, Trish doesn't let anything get by her. Having Maryse at my place is going to be tough. We can't do anything that could send red flags to Trish. She'd catch on and that would be it. She's an amazing interrogator. She' get the truth from us in a heart beat.