A/N: Thanks you guys for being patient with me while I finished The Bachelor, I'm going to try to make up for it with posts. I have quite a bit more written on this fic before I have to start writing more, so I'm probably going to be starting to write the sequel to the Bachelor, and posting on this at the same time. So keep a lookout. Remember to read and review!

Chapter Ten

The Bimbo Hostage

Waking up Jude had to adjust to the room around her, taking in her surroundings. It was dark, but she could see a ray of light beaming through the window. Looking around she saw that she wasn't in her own bedroom. Finally remembering that she was now in Tommy's apartment, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. Fear soon followed, however, seeing images of her previous nightmare and the aftermath that followed. Snapping her head to the empty spot beside her, she remembered of how she practically begged Tommy to stay with her. Glad to see that he wasn't next to her Jude sat up. I can't believe I stooped that low…asking him to stay with me? I must've looked pretty pathetic; especially to him…Jude thought swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

Standing up she walked over to the mirror that hung over the oak dresser. She grimaced at her reflection, taking in the bags that surrounded her eyes and her hair that was going every which way. I look like I've been hit by a bus…feel like it too…she thought unhappily turning away from the mirror.

Jude entered the bathroom and took a long shower, hoping to wash away the fear and anger caused by Cole, even if it was seven years later. Hopping out, she dressed in the jeans and T-shirt she had brought and dried her hair.

Looking at the clock it read nine thirty. Knowing she would have to make an appearance sooner or later, Jude stepped out into the hallway walking toward the kitchen. She heard Tommy talking to someone on the phone, his back turned toward her. Sounding agitated he spoke into the phone.

"Yeah…I know…listen, don – don't worry!...Yeah sure whatever," Tommy spoke bitterly, hanging up on whoever he was talking to. Giving a sigh of disgust he turned around, finding Jude leaning against the doorframe staring straight at him. He jumped slightly, surprised to see her. Jude noticed Tommy reach behind him, obviously trying to hide something.

"You're up," he stated simply, in a calmer tone than his previous conversation. Jude stepped forward.

"Yeah. Who were you talking to just now?" Jude asked curiously.

"Gary…my agent," Tommy spoke, not bothering to hide his dislike.

"What did he want?" Jude asked walking past him to the fridge. Opening it, she reached in and grabbed the carton of orange juice. Tommy turned his body, leaning against the counter.

"What are you, my mother now?" Tommy said making sure the newspaper behind him was out of sight. Pouring a glass of orange juice for herself, Jude glanced up at Tommy. She knew he was hiding something. Eyeing him with curiosity she sat down the carton of juice on the counter. Looking behind him and saw a newspaper lying open. She couldn't make out what was in it, but she had a hunch that it had something to do with Tommy's behavior. Turning her attention back to Tommy she pretended not to have heard his previous question.

"What's behind you, Tom?" Jude asked suspiciously. Tommy's eyes widened slightly, his expression increasing slightly with nerves.

"Nothing…nothing at all," he attempted. But that didn't stop Jude from snatching the newspaper before Tommy got the chance. Glancing at Tommy as she opened the paper, he turned his gaze to the floor, not wanting to look at her.

Looking away from Tommy, Jude noticed that the paper was part of the tabloids. Her stomach sank as she saw the picture blown up on the front page. Jude's face turned white seeing Tommy leaning in to kiss her. However, the camera angle used by the paparazzi set the impression that he indeed had kissed her. Jude's back was facing everyone, not being eligible for identification. Thank God for that at least…Jude thought, anger gripping at her. She was partially mad at herself for letting herself be caught in such a situation. However she couldn't help but want to strangle Tommy for making her one of his many women in the tabloids.

That's all she was, the new flavor of the week. At least in the worlds' view. In real life she was no where near being anyone's flavor of the week; or month, or year for that matter. I'm not anyone's 'flavor' and will never be anyone's 'flavor' of anything…she thought throwing the paper down on the counter. As much as she wanted to just forget it was ever made public, the headline kept popping out at her, mocking her. "Tom Quincy Found With Mystery Girl". Skimming through the article below Jude felt another surge of anger striking.

"It's no surprise that in Quincy's first week in New York he's already found someone to 'occupy' his stay. It's just a matter of how long? Will it be just another one of Tom's many one-night-stands? Or will this mystery girl be one of the few to actually whip Quincy into boyfriend material?

"But here's the big question of the hour. Who is this supposedly 'mystery' girl? Or is she someone known very well to all of us? Sources say that Tom Quincy's new addition is actress Jude Harrison. Both of them will be starring together in a new movie up for production titled "Fatal Temptation." Jude, 22, entered her career of acting after abruptly leaving the music industry. She is also well known for winning the 'Instant Star' competition at the young age of 15…"

Jude's face turned red with anger. Turning away from the tabloid, she faced Tommy, who was still trying to avoid her. Emotion bubbled up to the surface, Jude not being able to control her temper any longer.

"Look at me!" she yelled, causing Tommy to snap his head up in her direction by reflex. He could tell she was angry, he knew she would be. Knowing he should have just ripped the paper to shreds, he waited for Jude to lash out at him. Her eyes turned a shade of blue he had never seen before, intriguing him but also scaring him at the same time. He was about to start his long chain of apologizes when Jude unleashed her wrath.

"YOU MADE ME ONE OF YOUR BIMBOS!" she accused, closing in on him. "You dragged me into your stupid public life, and IT'S NOT EVEN TRUE!" she screamed pointing to the picture. Opening her mouth ready for more insults she was cut off abruptly.

"I DIDN'T MAKE YOU ANYTHING! It's just as much your fault as it is mine for us being in that situation…"

"I wasn't the one who leaned in to kiss you! I wasn't the one who pinned you down!" Jude spat back with venom. Tommy ran a hand through his hair frustrated.

"Didn't you see me chase that guy down trying to grab his camera?! I did everything that I could, Jude! Do you believe me now? Huh?" He asked, gesturing to the newspaper.

"Believe you about what?"

"That all these tabloids print out are lies! All lies! Whenever the slightest detail pops up in my life it is outlined not only in bold letters, but in a damn marquee!" Tommy finished exasperated. Jude was ready with a retort but stopped short with her mouth open. He was right, he was right all along. Maybe the enemy's not Tommy, but with the media itself.

Closing her mouth Jude straightened up and stepped back. Tommy, knowing he had won the argument leaned against the counter, trying to calm down. It was a hard task, not only had his annoying-as-hell agent call to "check up" on him, but he fell victim of another tabloid plot that would surely take place over the course of the movie production.

Jude brought a hand to her head, trying to figure out how in just a few days, her life had changed so drastically. She was now working side by side with 'Little Tommy Q' in a romance movie, being stalked by someone that's more than just a crazed fan, in the tabloids looking like slut, oh and also temporarily living with a guy that she, two days ago, would've loved to see go to an early grave.

"I have to go," Jude said abruptly shaking her head. Walking out of the room to the guest bedroom, Tommy was close on her heel.

"What do you mean you're leaving?" he said watching Jude gather her purse and clothes that she had put into a bag.

"I mean that I can't stay here any more. Not with the media going on their little frenzy. Plus, I can take care of myself," Jude replied stubbornly trying to walk past him. Tommy stepped in her way not letting her pass through. "Tommy let me out!" she yelled, hoping he would listen to her.

"I'm sorry but I can't let you do that. Are you forgetting that there is someone out there who wants to hurt you? Screw the media. They've been wrong before, they'll be wrong again. But Jude, you can't go back to your apartment. Not like this," Tommy argued making her look him straight in the eye.

"Like what?"

"Do remember what happened last night Jude?" Tommy replied. Jude shifted her gaze away from him, feeling uncomfortable. "I think you know who's doing this to you, and the sooner you admit it, the better I can help you."

"I don't need your help," she said harshly.

"Yes you do, you can't do this alone. And I don't think you would want to even if you could," he replied.

Jude stared at him before trying one last time to get past him. Her efforts stopped short, however, when Tommy picked her up. Throwing Jude over his shoulder he walked her over to the bed, and dropped her down on it. Taking out a small key he walked back to the door, locking it. Jude's expression turned to anger again.

"What are you doing?!" she shouted, watching Tommy sit himself down at the corner of the bed.

"We are not leaving this room until you tell me what is going on with you," he replied matter-of-factly. Jude stared at him, her mouth agape.

"And what if I don't tell you anything?" she retorted. Tommy leaned in to her a smug smile on his face.

"Then it's going to be a long day."