She was numb. She was now homeless. The damage on her loft was extensive and was no longer livable. Some things were salvaged—her photos. Some things were not—her record collection. She tiredly ran her hands over her face and sighed deeply.
Lucas ran his hand comfortingly along the back of her shoulders.
"You know you can stay with me…"
"I know. That's not the point…this," Her voice shook, "this was my home."
Lucas kissed the top of her head.
"I'm so sorry, babe…"
:"I wonder how this could have happened."
"Isn't it obvious?"
Peyton turned to Lucas. "No, actually it isn't…"
"Brooke."
Peyton looked outraged and clamped her hand over his mouth. She took a cautionary look over her shoulder.
"Brooke might be mad at me," She began to whisper, "But she wouldn't do this. And don't be spouting off your ideas in front of the police—they'll go question her. She's gone through enough as it is."
"SHE has? Are you fucking kidding me? Peyton. Look around you. Your house is gone. Gone."
"Rub it in a little more," she snapped.
"Look, I'm sorry. But don't put anything past her. I know you know she is capable of it. Don't lie to yourself."
"That's enough. I cant hear this right now."
'Fine. But until this investigation is over, I want you close to me. I don't want her—or whoever did this…hurting you."
"It could have been a gas leak." Peyton said defensively.
After all the hustle and bustle…after the flames were extinguished and only hot embers remained, Peyton allowed the tension in her shoulders to cease. Her loft had insurance…everything in there…it could replaced…well…except for her few first editions, mint condition vinyl…
Lucas kissed Peyton's forehead and brushed the curls out of her face.
"Let me get you out of here. We both smell like smoke…"
Peyton, defeated, nodded.
Just then, the sound of a car caught their attention.
Brooke, looking glamorous as usual, stepped out of her car. She took off her sunglasses, looking at the loft. Whether it was an Academy Award worthy performance or not, there was a look of horror on her face. She turned to Peyton and Lucas, her mouth agape.
"Peyt…":She called out.
Peyton left Lucas's side and walked to Brooke. Brooke walked and reached for her, and hugged her tightly.
"What in the hell happened?"
"I don't know…I came home…and this…"
"Do you need a place to stay? You can stay with me at—"
Lucas took a step forward and threw his arm over Peyton's shoulder.
"She's staying with me."
Brooke raised her brow…
"Oh. Okay." She turned back to Peyton. "Is there anything I can do…"
Peyton shook her head.
"I don't think so…" She paused, "Look Brooke…about the other night."
Brooke raised her hand. "No…um. We have bigger things to worry about…we don't need to discuss that now. It puts things into perspective."
Lucas stared at Brooke with obvious scrutiny.
Brooke adjusted her purse on her shoulder and shrugged.
"I wish there was something I could do…" She put her hand on Peyton's arm. Im just a cell phone call away."
When Brooke's car was out of sight, Peyton elbowed Lucas in the ribs.
"God, why didn't you just put a scarlet letter on her already? Could you be any more obvious?"
"Could she? What in the hell was she doing here anyways?"
"Luke—I've had enough for one day."
Lucas relented, and massaged her shoulders.
"Sorry." He kissed her softly and got her in her jeep.
As they began to drive away, Lucas looked at Peyton.
"Hey, where is your other car?"
Peyton laughed, "It's in the shop—new paint job."
"You gonna let me cruise that baby around too?"
Peyton smirked. "Maybe."
Lucas tussled Peyton's hair.
"Don't worry, babe. It will be okay."
The hotel parking lot was nearly barren; typical for a place like Bent Tree Inn, as it was on the very edge of town.
Brooke didn't have to knock on the door of Room 7. She walked right in, a hand on her hip.
She looked down at the man relaxing on the bed in front of her, hands behind his head.
"You didn't say ANYTHING about torching the goddamned loft, genius," she spat.
The man chuckled lightly. "I thought it was best that you were kept in the dark."
Brooke's eyes were blazing. She walked to the side of the bed looking down at him.
Quicker than she could blink, the man pulled her on top of him.
She put up a pitiful fight before she gave in. He kissed her brutally, pain and pleasure rolled into one as he held a fistful of hair in his hands. He was rough, he was rugged…he was an undeniable weakness.
Brooke straddled him, tucking her hair behind her ear. She grinned deviously and bit her lip.
"It was genius," She whispered. "I only hope you covered your ass flawlessly."
"Of course," he stated.
His hands rested on her waist, pressing her against him.
Brooke closed her eyes for a moment.
"This is going to be perfect."
In an instant, she was pinned underneath him.
"It always is."
Brooke titled her head up, biting his lip. "I didn't mean sex…"
He kissed her neck, "Yes you did…"
Brooke laughed and wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders.
She gasped when entered her suddenly, unexpectedly.
Her nails raked down his back.
"Oh, Jake…" She breathed. "Jake."