I stared at my sister as she put her tango glass down on the table having just finished talking. Everything she'd just said I already knew but hearing it again stoked the old anger in my stomach.

"Good riddance," I said. Jade gave me a nod and small smile. "Do you think he would've…" I couldn't finish the sentence.

"Have beaten me to death if Michael hadn't killed him?" Jade finished for me. "Thankfully I didn't find out but very probably. I left it until way too late to get out."

"You don't still blame yourself for that do you?" I asked gently. "Domestic abuse is not an easy thing to escape from."

"Ha," Jade rolled her eyes at me. "How many times did Dad tell me he was trouble and bad for me? That I should get out now?"

"Jade Myers," I looked sternly at my sister. "Need I remind you, how old were you? 16! Who the hell listens to their parents at that age? We sure didn't!"

"But on this matter Dad was right," Jade looked away. "You could say I got what I deserved for not listening."

"Bullshit!" I exploded in a low voice next to her ear. "Total and utter bullshit! Who the fuck deserves to get raped just because they didn't listen? Or because they wore a beautiful dress? Sorry Jade but that's bollocks! Don't ever say that again to me!" I could tell by the look on Jade's face she knew better than to argue with me. In my own way I was just as stubborn as Craig.

"I suppose you're right," she conceded. "But it's not just today I've been thinking about that pig! Ever since I got raped by Adam and Mark Lock, it's been in my mind. I've tried to shake it off but I can't."

"Well what do you expect?" I asked gently. "Are you really going to look me in the eye and tell me you're surprised?"

"No," Jade admitted. "But I think I want to tell Michael the truth. What I said to him before wasn't a lie, it helped me cope with my anger, but…"

I nodded. I totally understood where Jade was coming from. I was the only one who knew that when she'd told Dr Sartain Michael had taken her virginity it was a lie. But as far as she was concerned, he had. I didn't blame her. No one wanted to lose it through rape.

"I wonder if he remembers it," she continued softly. "Five years ago. The girl with the smashed up face, actually thanking him for his kill? Bet that'd stick with him on its own!"

I smiled a little. "If he even heard you," I said. "He may not have."

"True," Jade agreed. Now that she knew him, Jade had wondered the same thing. When Michael was out for the kill, did he hear anything you said? Well I was guessing she was, as I certainly did.

Craig cursed under his breath. There was no way he could do this by himself. His neck had started bleeding a little and he needed both hands to hold the dressing and apply the pain relief gel. He knew what he had to do. Not that he minded, but he hated asking others for help. Especially with this. But then he reflected on the discussion, (if you could call it that) the two of them had just had and decided to hell with it. Was he going to sit here and struggle with this just because he didn't want to ask for help? Apart from anything else, this would show the killer he trusted him implicitly now.

"Michael?" He called across the room. Now he stood, he realised he was once again feeling dizzy, nothing to do with adrenaline this time though. He'd meant what he'd said to the killer. He respected him a hell of a lot more after tonight. As far as he was concerned, this would stay between him and Michael. No one else needed to know. Silently, Myers appeared in front of him. Craig looked up and drew in a sharp breath.

"Bloody hell Michael! How do you do that?" Craig gave the killer a smile as he sat back down before his legs gave out on him. "I'm in a spot of trouble man. Can you give me a hand?"

Michael stepped to Craig's side and saw his bleeding neck. "It's ok," Craig said quickly. I just need to redress this. I only need to panic if it gets heavy. I think…" He sighed. "I did the damage when I tried to lift that God damn chair back up!"

Michael picked up the relieving gel from the table and began to rub it in to Craig's bleeding scar. Craig had never known a killer could be so gentle.

"Ouch," he said quietly as the gel sank in. "Shit that hurts…" Automatically, he tried to turn his head away, but Michael gently rested his other hand on Craig's head (but for a totally different reason this time) keeping it still. When he was done, the killer picked up the dressing. Craig made to tell him he could do it from here, but something in Michael's eyes made him shut his mouth again.

Gently, the killer replaced the old dressing with the fresh one, after wiping the dried blood away with an antiseptic wipe. Craig smiled tiredly at his brother in law. Finally, Michael held up his notepad.

Why do you think I pushed you back? I knew you shouldn't even try lifting that chair.

"I wish I hadn't," Craig said honestly. "Came over a bit dizzy again just then. Feel super tired."

I'm sorry for what happened between us tonight. That was wrong of me. Do you want a hand up the stairs?

Again, Craig found himself thinking for the thousandth time, this is Michael Myers?

"Not yet thanks man, I'm ok. Want to try and wait until the girls get back."

Call me when you do.

Craig read the subtext. Don't do them alone and smiled again. "I will, thanks. As for tonight, forget it man. It's all cool. I pushed you, you didn't react. Done. End of." Craig was sure Michael smiled at him. Michael raised his pad again seconds later.

Thanks. Craig, now it is I who needs to ask a small favour from you. You don't need to move, just tell me something."

Craig nodded. "Shoot."

Half an hour later, there was the sound of a key in the lock and Craig felt his heart lurch all over again as if he and Jenna had only just met. Damn he'd missed her so much. When Michael had asked him for what he'd wanted, Craig could hardly believe his ears. (Or rather, eyes) But he'd told the killer exactly where to find what he'd asked for and when Myers had gone out the door and returned a few minutes later with a huge bunch of flowers, Craig had stared at him in shocked disbelief, then smiled at him. "Good one!"

Now, Jade and Jenna entered the house. Craig stood up and almost ran to his wife, hugging her tightly. Jade looked on with a small smile. Michael was currently upstairs finishing whatever he'd started. Craig kissed Jenna again and again as if they'd been apart for months rather than a week. She held him close, looking at him just as lovingly.

After a few minutes, Craig and Jenna went upstairs. Jade hadn't heard them talking in whispers about what Michael had done and to work together to get Jade up there. Jenna smiled at the killer, staring at him in shock. Who was this guy? Now she was sure Craig and Michael had talked, although Craig hadn't confirmed either way.

"J," Jenna called downstairs at Craig's nod. "Can you come up here a second please sis? I can't find my makeup remover! Have you seen it?" Actually, Jenna knew exactly where it was.

"Ok coming!" They heard Jade yell back and smiled at each other.

"Nice one Michael," Jenna smiled at the killer. "Jade won't know you."

Craig and Jenna slipped in to their room just as Jade reached the top of the stairs. She opened her mouth to speak and stopped dead in her tracks.

Michael was standing in the doorway of their bedroom, wearing a black suit and tie. Jade had always loved men in suits but hardly anyone knew this. Accept Jenna and Craig.

Of course without speaking, he held out his hand. Jade wasn't aware her mouth was hanging open in shock as she stepped forward and took it. Michael led her in to their room, then they're on suite bathroom. The bath was full of hot, soapy water just the way Jade loved it and the smell of her favourite bath oil was intoxicating. Candles were lit all around the sides of the huge tub and a huge bunch of flowers rested against it.

With utmost tenderness, Michael removed her clothes before lifting her in to the hot water. Jade let out a sound of pleasure, she couldn't stop it. God that felt good. She hadn't realised how tense she was until the water seeped in to her skin, relaxing her muscles gently. Her husband picked up soap and a flannel and tenderly began to wash and massage her skin. Jade instantly felt her eyes closing as she leant her head back. Michael had never done anything like this before, not even close. He was far more experienced at cutting skin open as opposed to massaging and caring for it.

"God that feels amazing," Jade sighed. She looked round at Michael as the killer gently began to wash her shoulder length hair. Now her eyes did completely close as Michael did his work. When he finally smoothed her clean hair back from her face, she opened her eyes and looked at him.

"You look gorgeous," she murmured. "Sexy as hell I might add. What's with the suit?"

Michael didn't respond, just softly kissed her. Jade wasn't sure if she'd expected one or not. She remained still in the water, feeling more relaxed than she had in weeks. Michael remained by her side and made no move to hurry her. Jade got the impression he'd have stayed there all night if she wanted him too. Eventually she made to stand, but before she could, Michael gently lifted her out, wrapping her in a warm towel. As soon as he'd done so, he replaced his jacket which he'd removed to avoid getting wet, rolling up his shirt sleeves. When she was dry, he wrapped her soft dressing gown around her which smelt of washing powder, Jenna having just washed it unknown to Jade. He then took her hand again, led her in to their room and on to their private balcony. It was a perfectly still night, stars out in their thousands. They sat side by side on the swing seat and Jade set it in gentle motion with her foot as Michael pulled her close to him.

"Bet you've never worn a suit and tie before huh?" She smiled at him. She hadn't been sure how she'd react when she saw him following Burgess's death, but right then all she felt was love. It could not have been clearer he was trying to tell her something. She couldn't stop herself when she snuggled against him, her head on his shoulder. His arms gently tightened around her, before he kissed her repeatedly.

"Michael," she murmured finally, looking up in to his eyes. She could hardly believe what she saw. The gaze of Michael Myers usually so blank and cold, was warm when he looked back at her. There was no way that was love in it, was it? God knew he'd told her enough, but to see it… Finally, Michael pulled out his digital notepad.

I love you, Jade.

Seeing those 3 words on the screen made tears fill her eyes as she hugged him tightly. She would never see that enough.

Jade, read this carefully, because I mean every word. I'm sorry you saw that. I would have waited a few seconds had I known you were so close to me.

So, Craig had indeed told him. Perhaps wrongly, she was thankful he hadn't said he wouldn't have killed Burgess if he'd known, or she would've had guilt for the rest of her life that she could have saved him.

I've told you before and I'll tell you again. You are in no danger. You have nothing to fear from me and you never will.

"I know," she breathed. "But it was so… So…"

Again. I'm sorry you saw it.

She noticed he hadn't said sorry he killed him, but Jade wasn't expecting miracles that fast. As if reading her mind, Michael raised his pad again.

I have agreed to talk to Dr Sartain. I am not making you a promise it will change me, I can't. I'm sorry Jade. But I will do so.

"Thank you," Jade hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much Michael!"

Jade knew this was it. If he'd been this honest with her, she had to do the same. She looked him straight in the eyes.

"Michael, I need to tell you something myself now. Remember when I told you I'd studied you to help me face my anger? That was true, but it wasn't the whole truth. The only one who knows this is Jenna and that's been the case for the last 5 years. Michael, we've actually met before. I'm not sure if you'll remember it, but I sure do. Pitch black dark alley. I was a 16 year old girl standing in front of you with 2 black eyes and a broken bleeding nose. I'd just been assaulted by my so-called boyfriend. You killed him." She took a deep breath. "Knifed him through the stomach. I believe you were 20 at the time. I think it was just before you got captured where I eventually met you again years later. His name was Andrew Carson and I think he was just about to rape me against that alley wall. I knew who you were immediately. Your very name bought fear to people's hearts. For a few seconds I just stood there. I'd frozen, I think. Too shocked and scared to even run. I eventually managed to do so and don't ask me why, but I raised my hand to you. Acknowledgement? Fear? To this day I still don't know. But I used your name. Do you?"

Michael shook his head, holding her tightly to him.

"I didn't think so," she murmured. "I said "thank you Mr. Myers, you quite probably just saved my life." I said that because if you hadn't killed him, I think he would've beaten me to death after raping me right there and then." She sighed. "Met him at College. All the girls loved him instantly, but I've learnt now that looks can be damn deceiving. Certainly were in his case. Thought he was God's gift to women until you actually were with him. Then, different story…"

She stared in to the sky, remembering. Those last few months following the rape had been hell. Him checking her phone, watching her, telling her where she'd been at certain times and who with. She'd been seriously afraid for her safety and that of her family. Steve had never said "I told you so," though she'd told him numerous times she'd deserve it if he had. There was a soft beep. Michael had pressed the "alert" button. Jade started. Damn she'd been miles away.

That being the case, that is certainly one kill I will never regret.

Jade stared at the message, feeling tears building in her eyes. She hugged him as tightly as she could, blinking fast.

"All my classmates were super jealous when he asked me out. One even called me a "lucky bitch." I think unlucky would've been more accurate. It started slowly. Why hadn't I answered his calls? Texts? Why was I wearing this or that? It was too short; he didn't want other men looking at me. When I'd changed, he'd apologise and say it was only because he loved me and didn't want other men's eyes on me." Jade was sure Michael rolled his eyes. "I know I know, oldest abuse line in the book, but I stupidly didn't see it. Dad warned me again and again he was trouble, but I didn't listen. I think I'll regret that for the rest of my life."

Jade. You were what? 16? Not exactly a parent listening age.

"You sound like Jenna," she smiled. "She said a similar thing."

There you go then. Believe us.

"I'm trying," she sighed. "Eventually it progressed to where he'd text me telling me where I'd been and who with, at what time. That was when I really started to get worried. He'd already raped me once and…"

Excuse me? What did you just say?

"Yeah," she smiled at him sadly. "Took me to a hotel one night. I'd stupidly perhaps worn the dress Jenna had leant me. It was her favourite and she let me borrow it. Andrew took me to dinner then the hotel and told me I shouldn't have worn the dress and that I was "dressed as a slag." Asked me what message that gave him? He ripped it off me. Said he'd kept asking me for sex and had been patient, but that I'd kept refusing and he wasn't willing to wait anymore. Then he raped me. I went down to reception once he was asleep, crept out and broke down to the receptionist who called the police and then Mum and Dad. I expected the lecture when they got there, but they both just hugged me. Jenna slept on my bed for several nights after that. But they bailed him. That was when he started to stalk me. Knowing where I was, when and who with. I reported it to the police, but nothing appeared to happen. I'd gone out with a few friends from College including my best male friend Richard and Andrew texted me saying he'd seen me with him and I needed reminding who I belonged to. I didn't think anything of it at the time. Yes I was scared, but was sure the police would protect me." She laughed humourlessly. "So much for that. The night you found us he cornered me in that alley and started assaulting me, hence the black eyes. He'd just unzipped his trousers to rape me against the wall when you…"

She stopped. They both knew what she hadn't said.

"I'd long since realised that a man could stand next to me in a supermarket queue and Andrew would think I was cheating on him with him and ask who he was and when I'd shagged him. That nothing I did would ever please him. He was awaiting trial for rape that night, but had bail conditions not to be anywhere near me. So much for those."

Michael kissed her again and again, before once more raising his pad.

Hmmm. You may have to remind me where this alley is. I may have to completely finish the job.

Jade shivered a little and not with cold. "I think he'll be ash by now," she smiled riley at him. "But thanks. Please don't ask me why I didn't tell you before now, because I don't know. I've asked myself the question again and again, but can't answer it. I guess I was waiting for… The right time? Ha," she laughed a little. "I was reminded of him only too clearly today."

I'm sorry.

"It's ok," she smiled at him for real this time. "Ha, I run from you because you killed my abusive boyfriend and I was terrified I was next and end up married to you. Irony much?"

Indeed.

"When we first became serious," Jade spoke quietly looking down at the ground. "I was afraid to use my phone too much or stand too close to other men in case you… If you did, the consequences for them and or me would've been so much worse than anything Andrew would've done. Although maybe not. I'm not so sure of that anymore."

Michael gently drew her back close and kissed her softly, tenderly. Jade closed her eyes and surrendered in to her husband's loving kiss, her head back against his shoulder as it had been throughout her story.

Shh Jade. That's not I.

"I know," she said quietly. "You know, I was waiting for sex with Andrew and if I'd known then what I do now, I'd have known I wasn't in love with him. With you, it was instant."

I say again. You were 16, Jade.

"I know," she nodded looking away for a moment until Michael gently turned her head back to his gentle gaze.

So, stop blaming yourself for things you can't change.

"Michael," Jade spoke very softly. "Do you remember me?"

No. When I'm out for the kill I don't hear or think anything. You say you used my name?

"Yeah. I said "Thank you Mr. Myers. You quite probably just saved my life."

Michael shook his head.

"I didn't expect it," Jade said. "I just wondered."

"But that no longer matters, Jade. You won't face problems from him further, that's for sure. You are mine, but I don't have to remind you of this. Nor would I."

"Yes, and I'm so happy with you! Michael, I love you so much," Jade finally let the tears fall as she hugged him close. "Perhaps I didn't tell you because I was trying to forget it. But ever since the… The locks and then today, it hasn't left my mind. The attack by them started it all back up."

You should've come to me.

"Done what? Blurted all this out then?" Jade tried to dry her eyes, but Michael got there first.

Shh. Yes. I'm here for you Jade.

"Sorry," she was crying in earnest now as she hugged him so tightly it hurt. "I just couldn't. I didn't want to remember it or think about it. But it was getting to me. When I said you just saved my life, I didn't expect you years later to save my heart too."

She heard him softly sigh as he rolled his eyes and she laughed. "What?" Leaning in, he began to kiss her again, long, tender kisses, as he helped her to her feet by the hand and in to their room. He gently slipped her dressing gown from her body before lifting her in to bed.

"I love it when you do that," she said quietly, feeling totally relaxed now. She'd told him everything and God that bath had done wonders for her body…

When I do what?

When you lift me in to bed," she sighed in contentment and smiled at him.

Noted. I'll remember that.

She smiled again as he headed to the door.

I won't be a moment.

She glanced out a few seconds later to see him gently supporting Craig up the stairs, Craig assuring him he was fine, but Michael wasn't listening. Jenna saw her looking out and the sisters smiled at each other. Seconds later Michael re-entered. Jade raised herself on one elbow. "Michael, wait just a second?"

The killer stopped and Jenna appeared in the doorway and snapped a picture of him in his suit and tie.

"Sexy," Jenna smiled. "Suits you Sir!" Jade grinned at the pun.

"Stop ogling my husband Mrs. Ellis!" Jade pretended to sound annoyed. Then she grinned again. "Not that I blame you of course! He's bloody gorgeous! In or out of a suit!"

"Why thank you so much Jade," Craig's voice said from the doorway. "I just wish you'd told me! We could've been lovers forever!" He acted wounded and devastated, clutching his heart. "Always knew you found me attractive really! My heart aches beyond belief that you didn't want my love!"

"Shove off Craig!" Jade and Jenna said in unison, then the 3 burst out laughing. They were sure Michael was smiling too. Grinning, Craig hugged Jenna tightly, as she kissed him.

"I've said this once and I'll say it again…" Jade rolled her eyes. "Michael you were there! I've a witness to this! Get, a, room, already!" The 3 of them cracked up all over again and only laughed harder when Michael raised his notepad.

Wait, what? I remember nothing of this.

"Thanks a lot," Jade gave her husband a playful shove.

"How's your neck Craig?" Jade asked when they'd finally composed themselves but were still smiling.

"Doesn't hurt too bad right now, took some painkillers an hour ago. Still a bit tender, but I guess that's what happens when it's sliced open. The wound's almost healed, I was lucky he didn't cut an artery. Scar's going to give me trouble though they said. It'll hurt for a while."

"Son of a fucking bitch Taylor," Jenna muttered. Jade nodded fervently, then smiled at her brother in law. "Yeah, my facial one hurts like a son of a bitch sometimes. Don't worry though, a bit of lip balm on it I've found works a treat."

"Really? Thanks."

"Do you want one of my sleeping tablets? I still have some." Jade reached in her bedside drawer.

"Actually, yes please if you don't mind, thanks." Craig smiled lovingly at her. As she passed him the pack and a tin of lip balm, he hugged her. "Thanks a bunch sis, you're amazing! Love you!"

"Love you too Craig," she smiled warmly at him and kissed his cheek as they continued to hug. He released her, grasped Michael's hand and stepped back towards the door. "Night you two," Jenna said as they walked out.

"Night!" Jade called back.

"I'll have that developed for you tomorrow J," Jenna said and closed the door. Michael sat beside her and put his arms around her, his suit jacket soft against her head.

"Damn you look seriously sexy in a suit Michael," Jade said softly, deliberately making her voice seductive. "I hope you're not planning to wear it for too much longer, are you?"

Well, that depends on you.

"How?"

When you want me to remove it?

Jade felt love swell in her heart yet again. He'd wear it for as long as she wished.

"Will you wear it again?" She murmured, still seductively.

Just ask.

"In that case…" Slowly and deliberately she sat up, gently pulling off his tie as she took his lips with hers, practically melting in to his kiss. His jacket soon followed, then his shirt, trousers and shoes. Still locked in their passionate kiss, Jade stood and removed his underwear for the very first time since they'd met. Then the rest of his clothes. Still with their lips locked they lay back on the bed together, him on top of her.

"Touch me Michael," she breathed. "Please…"

His hands against her flesh were so gentle, tender as they continued to kiss, their lips not once breaking contact. When he finally slipped in to her, Jade let out a moan of pure ecstasy. God she loved this man…

Every moved they made seemed planned, perfect. Jade reflected that while they may not have a musical wedding dance, they certainly had one between the sheets which they hadn't ever practiced, they just knew the steps.

"I love you Michael Myers," she said over and over, as they made love again and again under the star filled sky. Jade had never felt so loved, safe or protected as she did tonight. Andrew may have treated her like a princess, that'd been totally fake. This could not have been more real. Oh, she felt like Michael Myers's princess alright. She adored him. She softly touched her wedding ring against his, as they kissed and kissed.

"You make me so happy," she breathed. "Killer or not. I'm just glad I had the chance to tell you so. If I hadn't met you that night, I may not have. I'd always wanted to know about you, part of my Psychology studies I guess, but I fell in love with you when you saved me. I couldn't stop it…"

"Shh," he said, very softly. She felt it more than heard it through their kiss.

As the sky began to lighten, Jade fell asleep in her husband's arms never wanting to move again. On the day of her adoption and now right at this moment, she had never been happier.