Here is Le next chapter! Hope you enjoy it! I know I said would start the first plot related chapter next but it kind of didn't happy. But I did put a little bit of it in at the end. Most likely it'll start in the chapter after next, since the next chapter will be dedicated to continuing some of the B-stories I have going on.

If you check my main page you can see which stories I am working on, or at least the ones I'm supposed to be working on. I tried my best finding all the spelling, and grammar errors.

Enjoy!

With The Crew

"Raven I'm disappointed." There was a weight on my back as Tom's deep voice sighed over the sensitive flesh of my ear. "I can only think that you enjoy being punished." This time his breath hit my neck and shoulders, leaving goosebumps in their wake. I wanted to speak to ask for an explanation, or at least refute his claim, but tape kept me silent. As he sat back up, my mind finally registered that I was in his lap - again. What did I do? Why am I here again?

"Look at me."

His cold order made me stiffen and I slowly turned my head to meet his eyes. His gaze was unforgiving and quickly my eyes shy'ed away. Though Tom had other ideas. In contrast to his look, he gently turned my head back to him. His other hand boldly and firmly caressed my backside. My body reacted honestly to his groping. My hips jerked back into his hand and a shock-wave of pleasure ran up my spine. This whole time he held my gaze and that only helped the growing fog in my mind to thicken. Tom's eyes were dark with desire, all of it aimed at me. The thought alone caused another tremor in my hips. Reflected through his eyes were my own, silently pleading him for something - anything - but I didn't know what. My eyes eventually dropped to his lips when he wet them with his tongue.

He was way too lethal to the entirety of the female population. That was the only thought I could muster, as I watched his every movement with such greed that even I was aware of it. I still didn't know what was going on but the desire to find out was quickly being snuffed out.

"I see a little petting isn't enough for you anymore, is it." Tom mocked. His hand, previously working a steady rhythm on my ass, dipped down to caress my thigh. Again I jumped, trembling from sheer anticipation. If I were in my right mind I would have blushed in embarrassment when he snorted at my eagerness. However, it was too hot, and it was difficult to focus on anything but his hands. "Now, now Raven. That's not how we behave when we want something. You need to ask for it properly." He carefully removed the tape from my mouth and the first thing from my mouth was a loud moan, followed by shallow breaths.

I never would have believed I could make a sound like that, and I was momentarily jarred back into my right mind. Sadly it didn't last long.

"Oh, what a lovely little songbird you've turned into." Tom mocked cheerfully, his hand rubbing teasingly at my thigh. He slowly moved from my knee and up until thought I could feel a faint brushing against my core, before going back down. His touch was so gentle and delicate.

Too delicate.

I didn't know if I wanted him to stop or continue any more. All I did know was that I was frustrated and hot. There wasn't enough friction so I tried to press into his hand but the next instant he pulled away; the jerk. As if knowing my thoughts he laughed and resumed his petting. I almost lost my ability to breathe when he gently brushed against my groin. It wasn't nearly enough but whenever I tried to move he would pull away. I was so frustrated that I found myself glaring at him.

"That's no way to get what you want." He taunted. "I taught you what to say, didn't I?" Like a switch his voice became soothing and inviting. It was a tone I knew all too well and always pulled me into Tom's trap. This time, however, I wanted to fall. His thumb traced over my lips a few times before pushing its way inside. It pushed against my tongue, along my teeth, gums and anywhere else it could reach. I felt the heat on my face increase, but it didn't stop me from using my tongue to play with his thumb. He smiled calmly down at me and my heart jumped in my chest. "Go on, ask for it. Just like I taught you."

The moment he removed his thumb, the words came flying from my mouth in a rush to be heard. "More please, master."

This time two fingers firmly pressed against me, but I was too far gone and it wasn't enough.

"Master, m-more." I continued to plead, the heat causing tears to streak down my cheeks.

"Such a good girl. I think you deserve a special reward." His praise made my heart beat faster. Surely, if it went any faster it would explode. He hooked two fingers around my underwear and pulled up roughly so the crotch part was rubbing against my hidden seed. It was the feeling that I was waiting for and my body reacted happily.

"Now what do we say?"

"Th-tha-ahh! Y-you..ah..mn!...Mast-ah.."

"Good girl."

He pulled at varying strength and rubbed from side to side, with my body trembling more and more with every passing second. I was starting to feel it. That familiar pressure in my gut wanted to be released. Perhaps he also knew it was coming, because his efforts suddenly doubled and it felt so wonderful. I closed my eyes to the pleasure.

...But

Somehow it still wasn't enough. There was something missing. It was like an itch that needed to be scratched. If I asked maybe he would give it to me. That something that I wanted. That I needed.

"Master..-"

...

"...More."

I opened my eyes to a blurry image of a familiar ceiling. I blinked a few times trying to get a baring on my surroundings. It was unusually hot this morning and somehow I felt fatigued despite just waking up. Also, for some reason, my underwear felt uncomfortable. I pulled my hand from beneath the blanket to stretch, but was taken aback at the strange wetness on the fingers of my right hand.

"What?" Still a little drowsy, I looked at my fingers trying to piece together why they were wet. When I pulled them apart a thin string of the substance connected them.

Gradually my dream's events came back to me and the realization of what it was hit me like a ton of bricks. I threw off the blankets and chanced a look between my legs. There, clear as day, was a spot darkened with my own slick. With burning cheeks I raced to the bathroom, taking care to not touch anything with my dirtied hand but also tossing my clothes off with an urgency I never felt before. I wanted to quickly wash myself in hopes that the cold water would numb the embarrassment and my heated skin. As I washed myself it was hard to miss the extra slick on my rag that did not come from the copious amount of soap I used to clean myself.

Why would I dream something like that!? Let alone it being about Tom! This was all his fault! It was because of what he did to me that I would even dream up something like that. I've had wet dreams before, but none had ever felt so real and they weren't of people that I had to make eye-contact with. In my dream I was enjoying it. I wanted him to do more. I sighed heavily and sat on the bed having finished my shower and already dressed. What was I going to do today? There was no way I'd be able to look at him without thinking of my dream. Not that it wouldn't have been hard enough without it. I was practically hanging off of him, grinding myself on those ropes.

I grabbed my pillow and screamed as loud as I could from aggravation. He was starting to take over my dreams now. Yesterday after leaving - in my case running - Tom's place there was still one more thing I had to do. Lola and the others went through the trouble of planning something and though I was tired I dragged myself to keep my promise. It proved to be a good distraction for a while so I was glad I went.

Contrary to my desires time continued and I could swear that it was moving faster to spite me. Detaching myself from the bed I moved to make breakfast.

"Morning." Trent, already awake and watching T.V, greeted.

"Morning"

"You look horrible today."

I shot him an unamused look, "Are you sure you should be so mean to the one cooking your food?"

"Who is this angle that just appeared?!"

"That's more like it."

Trent giggled, "But seriously, are you ok? Did you have a bad dream or something?"

"Hmm...or something is right." I dismissed the question simply wanting to forget the whole thing. Fat chance of that actually happening but a girl can...dream...

Dammit

"Are you going out again today?"

The question came in the middle of eating. Until then Trent had been entranced by the morning news, so it had been rather quite before hand.

"Yeah." If only I didn't have to.

"Volleyball, right?"

"Hmm."

"Then tell Mary I said hi. You'll be seeing her today, yeah?"

"Oh...um, a-actually I probably won't. I was invited to this new group. I was going to check them out today."

"Oh, I see."

In my desperation to not make eye contact I missed the look Trent gave to me. The rest of our breakfast was eaten in silence save for the TV, and after cleaning up I headed for my room to get ready. I would admit that I dragged myself for as long as possible, pushing it until the last possible moment before I had to leave. Just to make it seem like I was actually going to volleyball I bought my gear with me, making a point to say goodbye to Trent so he could see the effort I put in. It was at this point I realized that my "disguise", that I used to prioritize in the beginning, was now nothing but a hoodie that I kept over my head. The commute to Tom's place was so frequent that now it almost felt second nature. I was so wrapped in my thoughts that I hadn't even realized where I was until I was standing right in front of the front gates at Tom's place. Klein's familiar voice, that I now relaxed me rather than frighten me, cane through the gate speaker as they opened for me. As always he greeted me with a brief nod and before I knew it so was smiling at him.

"I'm glad to see you're back." At his confusion I elaborated, "I came by yesterday but Tinker said many people, including yourself, were out."

"Yeah, t'was a bitta trouble but nothin' we couldn' handle."

I shifted my eyes away not in any capacity to hear anything about this trouble he had. "Well, I'm glad that you came back ok."

He nodded and began escorting me to Tom's room.

"Boss wanted me ta tell you that he will be a little late today."

"Really? Why?"

"A meeting."

Guess being the leader of a clad would keep you busy. But it seemed that lately he's been really busy on Sundays. No, I shouldn't think about it too much. I should just count my lucky stars that I didn't have to deal with him just yet.

"Da Boss is amazin' though." Klein continued, "He's 'ad meetin's non stop this week, some back-ta-back and lastin' hours. Yet he handles'em all perfectly. Though he was raised by arguably da greatest Voldamort this clan 'as ever seen. So it's no surprise."

Klein cleared viewed Tom in high regards, which didn't surprise me. From what I've seen Tom - despite being so young - was both respected and feared by people 3 times his own age. It was actually very impressive that he was able to command such a group, while making it appear flawless. Not counting it being a gang, Tom was essentially running a business while going to school. Hmm, I wonder how Klein ended up in this life. Would it be rude to ask him? It could be something really bad that he didn't want to talk about. Also, I really shouldn't be getting personal with anyone here. The more distance I kept the better, but that was harder done than said. I was too curious for my own good, and the longer I stayed here the more I cane to realize that some people weren't bad.

We were coming up to Tom's room and I figured that even if he didn't want to talk about it, maybe he could still stay. Who knows how long it would be before Tom finished. It would be nice to have the company.

However, before I could inquire, someone appeared from around the corner. Well, actually, I smelt her before I saw her. it was a gentle scent of strawberries and honey, and while nor overbearing the own clearly applied a generous amount. What followed was a woman, slightly taller than myself, turning the corner and the moment her crystal blue eyes met mine recognition flashed through her eyes and a mischievous smile stretched her blood red lips. Without hesitation she bounced her way over, he blond hair swaying in their twin-tails with each step. As she got closer I realized quickly how stunning she was. Clearly confident in her body as she wore an impossibly tight black t-shirt that rode up to show her mid-drift. The v-neck was so low cut that I wondered how she kept her chest from simply spilling out. Especially given she was - uh - very gifted. Probably more so that even Lola. Her shorts stopped at her mid-thigh and the waistband was considerably high on her waist, and much like her shirt, hugged her so tightly nothing was left to the imagination.

It was like if Lola was cranked up by twenty levels.

By now this woman had stopped before us, and I instinctively took a step to place myself slightly behind Klein.

She made no effort to hide the way she sized me up, taking extra time around my chest and hip area. The woman giggled and laid a hand on her hip, "Well aren't you just the cutest little thing. It's no wonder the Boss is so smitten with you."

I don't think "smitten" was the proper word for Tom's interest in me. When I only continued to stare at her, her face morphed into shock.

"Oh my! Where are my manors? The name is Alice."

With her hand out for a shake she waited with a smirk for me to accept. Well...what was the harm? Besides, the last place I needed to make enemies was here.

"I'm Raven. Nice to meet you."

"Poor little bird, trapped in a den of lions." Alice gave me a pitying look, but the jubilant spark in her eyes gave away her true feelings.

Her words made me a bit upset but not knowing how to reply I pretended I didn't hear her. I decided that I want to be around her any more than I needed to be. She gave me an uneasy feeling, much like Tom did, and I knew that given the chance she could easily manipulate me. Best to stay away from people like that.

"Well, it was nice meeting you but I'm supposed to be waiting for Tom, So-"

"Aww, don't fly away, Raven." She pouted and grabbed my wrist with both of her hands as I reached for the door knob, "Let's talk some. Woman-to-woman."

I never though I'd be trying to escape to Tom's room, but now I caught myself longing to be in there. "I probably shouldn't. Tom might be upset if I'm not here waiting."

"Hmm, Boss must have you trained well."

"I'm not some pet to be 'trained'!" I snapped her words instantly getting under my skin. I was surprised by how hostile her words made me feel but I couldn't help it. She was just like Tom, but somehow I felt more attacked when spoke to by her. I tried to pull my hand away but her grip was like a vice, and instead of getting away she pulled me close to her.

Her smile widened, her white teeth peaking out from behind seductive red lips. "Don't get upset. I don't mean anything bad by it. In fact, it's quite nice being the Boss' pet, right? If you behave he makes you feel really good." At really good" she whispered hotly in my ear and I felt myself blushing. "You've felt it before, haven't you."

I avoided her gaze, trying and failing to keep the memories away. Not to even mention my very vivid dream. Against my wishes my body;s temperature rose and the erotic images simply replayed in a look in my mind.

"I can tell by the look on your face." Alice purred, dragging a manicured nail down my neck. "Not only did he make you feel good, but you enjoyed it."

Her words brought a sobering clarity to the heat clouding my body and mind. The one thing that I refused to do was admit that I enjoyed it, "You're wrong." I forced my hand from her grip and her surprise lasted only for a second before she smirked in realization.

"For you to deny it so strongly only means one thing. You haven't done it yet have you?" Accompanying her words were crude hand movements to leave no room to mistake what she was insinuating. "The Boss is really taking his time with you. But I guess that's what happened when your new toy is an inexperienced child."

My face burned at her words from both embarrassment and anger. "No! We haven't and we never will!" I turned my back to her with every intention of entering Tom's room, "I'm don't with this conversation." As I made my escape, Alice's mocking giggle followed behind me. I closed the doors more forceful that I intended, but I couldn't help my frustration. I was usually better at keeping my anger in check, but somehow it was becoming easier to express myself, more specifically my anger, when I was here. It was like this place pulled the worst out of me.

Right as I stepped away from the door it opened, but thankfully it was Klein.

"Sorry 'bout dat. Should-a stopped'er or sumting. Alice isn't a bad gal. In fact I think she likes ya."

"Really" I couldn't keep my skepticism from my voice as I wasn't convinced. If that's how she treated someone she likes I'd hate to see what happened to those she didn't.

Without thinking I dropped my bag onto the floor and plopped onto the bed already tired from the one 10 minute conversation. Maybe if I was lucky Tom's meeting would last all day and I could leave without doing anything. Now if only the universe could get on the same page. Moments later there was a knock on the door. As Klein looked to me for permission to open it, I was this close to telling him to ignore them.

"Oi! Raven! You in there?"

Oh, it was Jake! I sat up as Klein opened the door apparently sending the change in the atmosphere. Jake greeted me with a grin. His outfit was more or less the same as before. Still the same sleeveless leather jacket and white t-shirt. His pants, however, were bright blue which was honestly a bit weird but...

"Knew I'd find you wasting away in here." His green eyes creased in laughed when I rolled my eyes. "Come'on, I'm just kidding. I thought I'd come by since the Boss is busy today."

'You really didn't need to.' I thought, but I did appreciate the thought behind it.

"Me and some of the guys are killing some time in the break room down the way. There's a ton of shit to do, I'm sure you'd like it."

I tilted my head to the side. Why would that matter to me? "That's nice, um, have fun I guess."

This time Jake rolled his eyes, "Dumbass, I'm inviting you to join."

"What!? Oh, no, no, no! That's quite alright." I waved my hands in frantic refusal.

"It'll be boring and shit waiting here for the Boss. Those meetings can last all day. You really want to be stuck in this room all day? Alone?"

'I'd actually prefer that than being any where else.'

"It'll be fun, and you can meet the others while you're at it."

Yeah, no-thank you. My face must have fave me away because Jake then said.

"Just for a few minutes. If you're really not into it then you can haul ass back here."

I didn't even want to be here in the first place. But, other than Tinker and Klein, Jake was the only other person that made an effort to be nice to me. He was just trying to be considerate since Tom was away. He probably thought I would feel upset since I couldn't see Tom, and bored being alone. And thought that definitely wasn't the case I felt bad refusing his thoughtful gesture. A few more moments of deliberation I gave in to his begging green eyes with a sigh.

"Fine, but just remember you said I could leave whenever I feel like it."

"No sweat!" Jake grinned, "Hope you're ready to have a good time!"

He rushed over and grabbed my wrist to drag me into the hall. What is it with people pulling me everywhere?

"Klein! You come too!" I called out feeling more comfortable with him while Tom wasn't around.

The halls were quiet and ridiculously long. Most of the doors we passed were closed and labeled 'Bedroom' followed by ascending numbers. Everything was starting to look the same and I soon lost any confidence I once had on remembering the way back. I had never been this deep in the estate before.

"There are a lot of rooms here."

"What do you expect? There are dozens of us living here, but the worst part is that they cram 10 of us fuckers in a single room."

I can't imagine how horrible tat must be. Let alone how it must smell.

"I take it you've never been this far."

"No, only as far as Tom's room." I blushed realizing how it sounded when Jake smirked knowingly. "D-don't get the wrong idea! We don't d-do anything! I swear!"

"No need to explain to me. The Boss is a man of many talents." He wriggled his eyebrows suggestively, and if I wasn't so flustered I might've laughed.

Soon we turned a corner that would lead us to a dead end, or so I thought. There was a traditional sliding door to the far wall and when Jake opened it, it felt like I was transported back in time. On the other side was a walkway where on one side were numerous rooms with shoji sliding doors that led into large rooms fitted with tatami mat floors. On the other side was a huge space of greenery that would leave any gardener jealous. It was now I realized just how old this place must have been. The first of the house was clearly renovated to have a more modern design and feel to it, but the further you went into the house the more you saw it's original style. It was both fascinating and beautiful.

"We often use these rooms when we have meetings." Jake provided some context to the expansive rooms we walked by upon noting my curious stares.

Did that mean that Tom was here somewhere?

"You won't find the Boss here.

"I wasn't looking for him." I replied indignantly. "And can you let me go now?"

"My bad!" He quickly released my wrist. "But like I said you won't find Boss here. Sometimes our meetings need more privacy so we have a separate room for that."

"And like I said, I wasn't looking for him."

Apparently what I said was funny because he laughed. However, instead of humoring that I asked a question to change the topic, "Are they only used for meetings?"

"Nope! When the gang throws down for a party this whole area gets used."

Guess the large space was perfect for that. The serene beauty and tranquility that the space provided was nothing but a bonus. I could honestly see myself simply sitting out here and enjoying wasting time just feeling the sun and breeze. It was essentially a huge rectangle, and the space that we and entered onto was one of the shorter sides of the shape. The longer side was the backside of the remodeled home and the opposite side had more rooms with the center of it being a single modern door. From what I can guess it must lead to a hallway that connected this to the rest of the house. Just how far were we going anyway? We had to have been walking for about 15 minutes already. How did anyone get anywhere in this place?

The quiet from the front of the home seemed like nothing but a distant dream, because as soon as we crossed the hallway connecting deeper into the home the volume was suddenly turned to max volume. Voices seemed to shout from all directions and echoed from down the halls. Laughter and angry bellows of both men and female voices mixed together, making my ears pound. We passed by a lounge like room where men sat cockily on chairs, booze in one hand and a woman in the other. I quickly turned my head forcing myself to not stare.

Some of the people we passed by openly eye'd me, curiosity swimming in their gaze, and others completely ignored me. Once again I was surprised by the diversity of people that stayed here. Some people you would never give a second thought to them being a part of a gang, while others seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Finally we came to a stop and Jake opened a door, "Here we are! Come one in!"

Despite my lack of excitement I walked through the door and instantly I was ready to call it quits. It wasn't because it smelled horribly of cigarettes and alcohol. Or that there were scary looking people suddenly all looking at me. It was because of one person who's smile made me outwardly groan.

"Raven! So good to see you again."

"I ran into Alice on the way here and she was the one who told me you were alone and waiting for the Boss." Jake grinned unaware that I wasn't at all pleased to see her again so soon. "She said she was worried about you and that I should invite you to our game!"

I simply turned to Klein, "Please take me back to Tom's room."

"Whaaaatt?! Hold on! Why?! We just got here!" Jake protested, "At least try a game or two!"

'Didn't you say I could leave the second I wanted too?'

I let my gaze sweep across the room. It was impressive. Rather than a break room, it seemed more like a mini casino. The room was considerably large, and was sectioned off with different games. In the right corner of the room were two pool tables, and along the same wall hung 4 dart boards. There were a few chairs in the area, and the floor was a black marble in that section rather than the maroon carpeting that covered the rest of the room. On the left side was yet another bar, and behind the table was a lanky man in a bar tending suit cleaning away at some glasses, and a few ladies sat idly sipping away at some bright cocktail. A Roulette table was also on that side as well, empty save for the rough looking dealer smoking a cigarette and reading a dirty magazine. Blushing at his boldness of reading material I turned my eyes to the Craps table that already had a rousing game going. In the center was a large poker table where a sharp eye'd female dealer lay in wait for the next game to start.

"Pretty fucking cool, ain't it." Jake bragged as though he owned the place. "You see that door over there?" He pointed to a door that lay between the Craps table and the Roulette table, "That leads to the Slot room."

'Isn't that a bit much?'

"Stop all that yapping, and come join us." Alice sweetly called with an inviting wave of her hand. She was sitting with a group of others around the poker table. "We're just about to start another game."

Alice's suddenly cordiality made my stomach do flips. Similar to the way I feel around Tom when I knew that he was up to something I wouldn't find too enjoyable. Jake pushed me towards the table, urging me into the empty seat. Thankfully it wasn't next to Alice, but it was another familiar face I didn't realize until now.

"Nanashi, long time no see."

He nodded, "Glad you're well."

"So you're the new broad getting off with the Boss." The man who spoke was a bulky, dark skinned man. He wore a long brown trench coat over a disheveled, lavender shirt and black pants. He seemed rather tall, even sitting down, and had shaggy blond hair that covered the entire left side of his face. The single visible brown eye was already slightly unfocused, possible due to the half drunken alcohol in his hand. His voice was such a smooth, deep rumble that I was sure that was how molten lava in the earth's core sounded. He sat on the far end of the table on my right.

From the opposite side someone clicked their tongue and when I turned to look the person was watching me with open dislike. His cobalt eyes narrowed when our eyes met and his hands twitched on the table. This made me swallow in nervousness given the fact that over his pristine, pale blue button-down was a gun holster strapped onto his back. He wasn't actually planning on shooting me because he didn't like me, right? He had such a brooding look as he stared at me through the thin fringe of his short, black hair. He grunted, his eyes shifting to Alice in annoyance.

"Stop glaring at the poor girl, you'll scare her away." Alice giggled having elbowed the man in the side.

"I don't care who she is, outsiders aren't welcomed." He growled, fist clenching on the table. "She could be a spy for all we know."

"Do you really think the Boss is that foolish?" The challenge and warning in Alice's voice made it clear that the man should carefully choose his response. This seemed to shut the man up, but his hostility for me didn't wane.

"Besides once he get's tired of his pet, she'll be properly disposed of." The way she smiled at me gave me an uneasy feeling. Like she would be the first to jump at the opportunity to complete that task. Still, I knew that Tom wouldn't risk actually hurting me considering who I was but...whose to say that wouldn't change if I learned something I shouldn't?

"But enough of this boring stuff!" Alice clapped her hands together, "Let's play!"

"Now you're speaking my language!" Jake grinned as he made a show of cracking his knuckles. "What's the game?"

"Texas Holdem. Lowest bet, 20 dollars." The drunk guy slurred out, already gathering his playing chips. It was then I realized that I never got the two guys' names, but maybe that was for the best.

"Can you play?"

"I don't know how and I don't have any money anyway."

"Don't worry it's easy!." Jake encouraged and gave me a quick rundown of the game. He was right, it did seem rather simple but I still had two problems.

One: No money

Two: I didn't want to play.

"May I propose something a bit different." Alice's eyes were wide in excitement and a sly smirk was stuck on her face. "Given that our little Raven here has no money, why don't we wager something everyone has."

"And that would be?" The angry one asked with a sneer.

"Secrets."

Yeah, it was definitely time to go. My awareness for dangerous people and situations was getting better since being here, and I knew it was right of me to try and avoid her earlier. Too bad I couldn't for long. She must have known I wouldn't like it because before I could more to stand there was a delicate yet firm hand on my shoulder.

"Let's get to know one another, ok?"

The shiver that shot down my spine was so strong I thought winter made an early appearance. I should've been stronger in my protest in coming here.

Beside me Nanashi sighed annoyed, "That's just stupid. No one wants to play your little games, Alice."

"Sounds like you have something to hide, Na-na-shi." Alice enunciated each syllable of his name with a twirl of his hair. Though he looked less than pleased he didn't slap her hand away.

"I'm usually down for shit like that, but...I gotta agree with Nanashi on this one. Maybe if Raven wasn't here..." Jake shifted nervously in his seat.

Hearing this Alice pouted, "Buzz killers. I'm just trying to help her feel more comfortable here. Sharing secrets is the best and quickest way, is it not?"

Nanashi simply closed his eyes as though he were tired of this conversation, "Knowing you, you'll take your questions too far. Besides, if Boss wanted us to know about her he wouldn't have explicitly told us to not look into her."

"Of course I know that." Alice rolled her eyes, "My questions would be totally innocent. Just about her likes and dislikes, nothing too personal."

I almost wanted to laugh at the use of her word "innocent". One look at Alice and the word "innocent" is that absolute last word that would come to mind. Still I was glad that Nanashi spoke up to help me out, though it was probably more so to follow Tom's orders rather than helping me. So I mumbled a quick "thank you" to which he acknowledged with a quick glance my way. I took a look behind me and noticed that Klein wasn't anywhere in the room. Somewhere during our conversation he must have left. Hopefully he would be back soon. The sound of clinking chips made me look forward again and Jake was placing some chips in front of me.

"You can use these."

"I can't pay for these."

"Don't sweat it," He motioned to the pile in front of me, "I had lady luck on my side last time, so I have some extra to blow."

"Ugh, fine." Alice seemed to give up and plop back into her seat. "I'll relent for today."

It finally seemed like the game was going to get started. Not too surprising I lost the first few rounds. Apparently I could have won one of the hands but I had folded a pretty good hand. Jake was also doing pretty bad, but still better than me. Nanashi, Alice and the drunk guy were going back and forth between the highest pile, while the angry guy was rather average at the game. Still I was getting better and more used to the rules the more we played, and though I couldn't fully relax with them I did find myself slightly enjoying the game. Probably because it was something new and different.

"You suck ass at this game." Jake laughed as I lost yet another hand.

I giggled, "Well you aren't doing so hot yourself."

"Can't argue that. Alice, Nanashi and Donhovan are dominating."

Donhovan must be the drunk guy. I was actually surprised that he was still conscious. He had been throwing back drinks ever since we started playing which had been at least an hour now. Yet he didn't seem any more drunk than he did when I first entered.

"But it's usually like that. With me and Ryo trying to keep up. I think I just got really lucky last time."

"Stop chatting and throw in your bets." The angry guy, now known as Ryo, growled out his glare having intensified as the game progressed.

"And usually by the end he's furious." Jake whispered to me with a chuckle.

It was another 30 minutes before there was a mutual call for the last hand. However, by that time I had already lost every penny that Jake gave to me. Jake was barely hanging on as was Roy, but he was faring better than Jake. It was a pretty tight race between the other two but Donhovan ended up taking the biggest pile, with Nanashi coming in second and Alice a close third.

"Dammit! Next time we're betting on darts!" Roy grumbled as he tossed a cigarette in his mouth and angrily lit it.

"Aww, don't be upset. You're getting better." Alice giggled talking down to him while petting his head. This only made Roy snap at her again. Someone had some anger issues to work out.

After that I was somehow persuaded into playing blackjack, craps and even a round of darts with them. Surprisingly I was pretty decent at darts, and before I knew it 3 hours had flown by but there was still no sign of Tom. If he was going to be busy why even still bother to have me come over? He could have called off today. Did he really like to see me dance to his tune so much that he would have me just wait idly by for him like a pet waiting for it's master? I blushed at my own thoughts realizing that it was something he would definitely do. Regardless, it was coming to the time when I would usually go home and there hasn't been any word from him. Not even a text. Then again, why was I fretting to much about it? If he didn't show up then that would just be better for me. Another 2 hours and I could just leave all without having to deal with Tom.

But of course, as my fortune would have it, the door happily swung open and who would be standing there but a confidently smug individual. Ugh he was in a suit again. Dammit heart! Stop that frantic beating right now! The moment he entered the room the atmosphere shifted and everyone moved to stand in greeting, but a dismissive wave made everyone relax - though not as much as before I noticed - and go back to what they were previously doing.

"Boss~!" Alice's shrill and excited voice drew my attention. I could only watch in open-mouth surprise as she lunged herself at Tom, arms locking around his neck and breast pushing provocatively against Tom's chest. My eyes growing wider when his hand landed automatically on her lower back. "Such a rare treat for you to visit us when you are so busy."

"Hmm, well I could hardly leave my pet-" Tom chuckled, " my dear Raven alone too long in good conscience."

"Whaatt? So you didn't come to see me?" Alice pouted and rested her head on his shoulder. "Are you trying to make me jealous, naughty boy~." Here eyes dragged over to me in amusement, "Maybe you are. Given the fact that you're being so patient with this one. Why don't you hurry up and show her a good time, then you and I can have some more fun." While still looking at me one of her hands trailed down his chest slowly and only stopped at the buckle of his pants.

Tom's smirk was mirthful as he listened to Alice, "There is a certain charm to one who doesn't happily open her legs for every man who walks by."

"True," The words rolling across Alice's tongue slowly, "But equally so is there charm to a woman who knows exactly what she wants. But that's what separates a woman from a girl, is it not?"

If my face wasn't red before, it certainty was now. I could hardly believe what I was hearing. How could they talk like this in public?! I looked at Jake and the others who were only half paying attention. That could only mean that this happened a lot. And not only was there topic too raunchy to be discussed in public, but the subject of the sentence was me! I didn't care how - admittedly - attractive he looked in his suit I was not going to sit here and let them talk about me like that. Red in the face, I jumped to my feet and purposefully moved towards the door, determined to not spare Tom and Alice a single glace as I passed them. I didn't get far as Tom ensnared my wrist, forcing me to stop.

"Leaving so soon, Raven?"

My eyes snapped to his but quickly fell to the floor. I couldn't even look him in the eyes, much less now after hearing their conversation. Instead, I was drawn to the hand that was still on Alice's waist and at that moment I felt my face tense. Finding my strength I pulled away from his grip.

"I...I won't..." I took a deep breath, "I won't sit here a-and listen to you two t-talk about me th-that way."

"Oh, you're starting to get some real bite to you." Tom chuckled happily, "That only makes this more fun."

My hands shook and in a burst of anger I met his eyes before shouting louder then I intended to be, "I'm not some game you can amuse yourself with! I'm done with today! Goodbye!" I couldn't help one last lingering look at the closeness of Alice's and Tom's body before leaving in a huff, taking extra care to slam the door behind me.

After I left Tom chuckled and soon followed after not sparing another thought to the others in the room. Alice sighed and moved back to the others where another card game was starting. "She ran away. Maybe I pushed the poor thing too hard."

"Your personality is as horrible as ever." Nanashi said with a bored expression.

"What a terrible thing to say. I was only trying to help speed things along! She's as naive as buckling deer." She then giggled, "Then again maybe not so much. From how she glared at me, at the very least her body is honest." Alice squealed in her seat, "Oh! I can't wait to play with her again!"

A grimace pulling at his face Ryo snarled, "Let's just start the next round."

"Sure, I need some more spending money."

...

Unaware that Alice was trying to "help" me, I was stomping down the halls clearly upset. I would have laughed at how a few people who saw me stayed clear at any other time.

He was a jerk! A pervert! A man-whore! How dare he talk about those kinds of private things where everyone could listen?! Talk about me like that!? Like I was some kind of passing conquest. A notch to put on his belt! Why did he even have to show up? It was hard enough dealing with Alice! Speaking of, isn't there supposed to be some kind of distance between Tom and the others? He was the Boss after all! Yet here Alice was practically fondling him in public! Why didn't Tom do something to stop her? I mean, unless they are together, which in that case why am I here? Why is he toying with me and - and doing all those things to my body?! He obviously has someone here he would be more than happy to - as he puts it - play with. And from her display she would eagerly accept it.

Of course if he does go with her, it's not like I would care. Just, if you already have someone then let me go! It wasn't right to her if you were doing questionable things with someone else!

"Otherwise don't go around toughing other girls!" My thoughts accidentally came flying from my mouth in a frustrated shout. I didn't realize how heavy my breaths were and how much I was shaking as I stood motionless in the hallway.

"My, my, jealousy looks ravishing on you."

I spun on my heals frowning deeply trying, and failing, to control my breathing, "I am not jealous!"

He hummed unconvinced, "No need to fret, Raven. I don't plan on abandoning such a good girl like yourself so soon."

No! Stop it! Don't you dare feel relieved!

"If it makes you feel better, I'll talk to Alice about her contact with me."

"I don't care." The words came out as a growl, and the sound shocked me so bad that I covered my mouth.

My eyes were wide as I looked at Tom as though blaming him for my outburst. But it was his fault, right? He was the one who is always pushing me. Trying to get different reactions out of me. But really that wasn't anything new, so why was I so angry? Somehow I felt more irritated than ever before, and I definitely knew it wasn't because I was jealous! There was no way, so I chalked it up to having already been stressed due to Alice's earlier provocations.

"Don't let it bother you too much. That's just how she is."

Tom was suddenly in front of me, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders. My stomach turned at the feeling and when I tried to squirm from his grasp it only tightened, keeping me in place. He looked down at me, both figuratively and literally, with a lofty smirk. Maybe he saw the protest on my lips because he suddenly pulled me against his chest, trapping my arms between our bodies. I squeaked and my struggles increased, trying to push away from him. More than every before I didn't want him to touch me. Not with those same hands.

"I'm not the type to play with more than one toy at a time, despite my reputation." He laughed at himself clearly aware of how people saw him. "Currently I'm only interested in our game, and you require much attending to." His whisper breathed over my ear, the intimacy of the action like that of a lover. However, the words he spoke were far removed from the sweet tone he used.

I was angry at how brazen his words were and how uncomfortable I was with his touch. I also couldn't wrap my mind about why I was so angry and why my body was starting to give up it's struggles from his unwanted embrace. Most of all I was frustrated with the lack of an outlet for my emotions. There wasn't anyone I could talk to about this, and I kept my mouth shut in fear of how new the emotion I felt was. What if I said something I didn't want to.

What if I...I...said the tru-NO!

I wasn't jealous!

...I wasn't...

...I...was...

Elsewhere

Not three hours away from Tom's home there was a group of kids around the ages of 8 and 9 years old. They stood in a jumbled line as the three adults with them took a head could in front of a large white bus. It looks to have been some sort of weekend school trip. A young bright eyed teacher looked over the students again, and a frown pulled at her lips. Soon it morphed into worry and she moved over to one of the kids.

"Mary, where is your partner, Cherry?"

The young girl shrugged, "Mrs. Rachel took her away earlier."

"Alright, thank you." The teacher quickly moved to the much older teacher. Mrs. Rachel had been the longest working teacher at the school, so she was often the person everyone went to if there was an issue. If she took Cherry somewhere the it had to have been for a good reason but why didn't Cherry come back?

"Mrs. Rachel, may I have a word?"

"Of course." The smile on her face was so benevolent it were as though she could do no wrong.

"Cherry was with your group today but she isn't here now. Is everything alright? We can't leave without her."

"Not to worry. I received a call from her mother earlier and a relative came to pick her up some time ago."

"I...I see..."

"This sin't the first time something like this has happened. You've only just moved here, Ms. Kana, so maybe you aren't aware but Cherry is special. Her leaving early, even on excursions such as theses, is normal."

Ms. Kana didn't look reassured but seeing as she couldn't do anything she only nodded. "Well then...Let's head back."

Mrs. Rachel continued to smile but in never reached her eyes as she coldly watched Ms. Kana guide the restless children into the bus.