Author's Note: The Talented Mr. Ripley is an awesome movie! Watch out for
Dani going a little... uh... insane this chapter, and she might do
something she'll regret. Or maybe not, lol, I'm trying to build suspense,
people! Oh, and some language in this one, but it fits the mood.
~~~~~
Stephanie took Danielle back to her room, and Danielle sat silent on her couch. Stephanie busied herself getting coffee, and Danielle turned on the tv for distraction, watching with her feet curled up underneath her. She felt physically sick, the sound of Shane's fist and the sight of them attacking each other kept replaying in her mind.
"Do you... want to talk or anything?" Danielle glanced up momentarily, and accepted the steaming cup from Stephanie. She sat down on the couch with a worried expression.
Danielle shrugged. "Doesn't matter," she said softly. "Do you want to talk about something?"
"No, Stephanie replied. "I think it would make me... I just don't want to hear it. I'm glad I wasn't there to see it..." They sat without speaking, the only sound was the television, and then Stephanie looked at Danielle sadly. She took a sip of coffee and watched Danielle, she looked so distressed. "Do you want to be alone?" she asked softly.
Danielle slowly met her eyes, and then finally nodded. "Yeah, that'd be good." Stephanie smiled sympathetically, gave her a hug, and left in silence.
Glancing toward the tv, Danielle changed it to one of the movie channels. She didn't want to think, she just wanted to sit there in the blessed silence and forget everything. Absolutely everything. She flicked through the channels, there were two movies she might watch. She chose the longer one, The Talented Mr. Ripley, because she'd never get to sleep anyway.
This was a movie she enjoyed, and it was nice to lose herself in the plot, her coffee, and Matt Damon. Danielle did good, she forgot about the real world for a while, until someone in the film mentioned Damon's hair. Of all things, that reminded her of Sean. She viciously pushed him from her mind, but then another man came in. Shane, that fist-happy idiot.
He had protected her so fully, with no concern for the consequences- especially Sean's ability to fight back. And, he was mad at her when he did it. What would've he done, she asked herself, if we were friends as usual? The thought of his recklessness- rare for him- didn't comfort her, it made her more nervous. If he fought so angrily against one of her friends, what if the other person would've been a stranger? But, in that case, she'd probably appreciate it.
A cold chill suddenly ran up her spine, and she curled her arms tightly around her shoulders. That fight scared her, plain and simple. The meaning behind both men's reaction could be so many things. Add their moods as of late into the mix, and she was left baffled.
Danielle glanced up at the television. The movie had flown by- it was almost over- and she hadn't been able to stop thinking and relax like she wanted to. She frowned and glanced down at herself, she couldn't believe she was still wearing the red dress. Maybe that will take my mind off it, she thought hopefully.
Emerging from the bedroom a few minutes later in pajama pants, loose t- shirt, and her favorite fuzzy slippers, Danielle sank back into the couch. She had looked at the alarm clock on her way by, it didn't surprise her that it was past midnight. Another all-nighter, she thought with a sigh. I can't wait.
She didn't have to wait very long. A quiet knock, almost like a mistake, interrupted her thoughts. Danielle sighed, what did Stephanie want now? She walked to the door silently and opened it- expecting to see Stephanie looking back at her.
Instead, she saw dark hair, tired brown eyes, and a bruised and swollen lower lip. Shane looked back at her, glanced down the hallway, and then gave her a small smile. "Can I talk to you? Now?"
Danielle stepped back and moved to let him in, and he sat on the couch, hands resting on his knees. She sat next to him, turned sideways so she could look at him. He turned to meet her gaze, and he could feel her eyes seeing every scratch and bruise.
"You look horrible," she said softly. "Is that the worst of it?" She motioned toward his lip, and he smirked.
"No, but trust me- I did one hell of a job on Sean." She instantly gave him a glare, and he shrugged. "Sorry, but he did deserve it."
Danielle shook her head and slid down in the couch, stretching her legs across the floor. He was actually bragging- bragging about that horrible fight. She looked up at Shane, met his deep eyes, and pursed her lips. "Why did you have to do that?" she asked. "I don't care if you two hate each other, that was the stupidest thing you've ever done."
He looked up at her calm and cold tone, and sat back in the couch silently. After a pause, he reached over to gently touch her cheek. "I wouldn't call it that," he said, eyes going bitter as he remembered. "He was hurting you... do you expect me to just let him do that?"
"It was an accident, Shane! He would never hurt me intentionally. Don't blame him for your jealousy." Danielle looked at the floor, voice becoming more sensitive than she wanted it to be. "You both could've gotten so hurt, and what if Sean presses charges?"
Shane shook his head, stretched his arms along the top of the couch, and looked back at her. "He won't, not if he has any sense." She lowered her eyebrows curiously, and he smiled slightly- painfully. "I did hit him first, but we all know he was being rough with you. Whether he meant it or not, he laid his hands on you. He could get charged for that just as much as he could charge me- if not more." He paused and sighed. "Besides, Vince is going to have it out with both of us in the morning."
"Serves you right," she replied.
He ignored her muttered comment. "Dani... if he asks you questions, would you be able to talk about it? I think he'll want your opinion on what went on."
She gave him another cold look, such a change from the worry she tried to hide. "Why would it bother me?" she said bitterly. "I'm not the one with any cuts or bruises."
"You aren't?" he replied quickly, fire in his eyes. "Show me your arm- the one Sean had." She didn't move, and he took her hand into his own gently. "Let me see it, prove your point."
Danielle pulled away quickly, and met his eyes. "Fine," she said shakily. She grabbed her sleeve and roughly pulled it up, revealing her right arm. She didn't look at his face, she didn't want to see the reaction.
One large bruise extended almost completely around her upper arm, Sean was stronger than he had meant to be- she was sure of that. An ugly rainbow of brown and blues was prominent against her light, smooth skin, and she had been ignoring the pain for hours.
Danielle dared to look at Shane, and his face was pulled tight. Naked rage darkened his face, and he forced his eyes closed with calming breaths. "That asshole..." he whispered. "I'm glad I broke his nose."
She looked up quickly and drew her sleeve down to her wrist, glad to hide the mark. "You broke his nose?" she asked, exhaling one quick breath. He nodded slowly, and she nervously wrapped her arms around herself. "Damn, Shane... what would you have done if you weren't pissed off at me?" It was the question she kept asking herself, and she hoped her would answer.
"I'm not angry with you," he said with a shrug. "I'm just VERY frustrated with how you act sometimes." Meeting her eyes again, he smiled slightly. "I'd do the same thing, Dani. I don't regret what I did to him, and I don't regret why."
Danielle swallowed thickly, the determined glint was back in his eyes and it made her feel weak. "You didn't have to do anything..." She paused and glanced away from his eyes. They drew her back to them, and she couldn't ignore his hurt lip. "I'm so sorry," she said finally, and he knew what she meant.
"Don't be, Shane replied, giving her a genuine smile. "It's not as bad as it looks." The lie was obvious, but it comforted her regardless.
~~~~~
Sleep did take her, even if only for a few hours, and no one disturbed her the next morning. Danielle still woke up early, grateful for the peace and quiet, but there was a note on her door- saying she could miss another session with her trainer. That didn't comfort her.
Everyone must know by now, she realized. How am I going to stand having everyone give me those pitying looks? She glanced down at her arm, and then went back to her suitcase. Putting on a sweater moments later, she smirked. They can't pity me if they've got nothing to pity.
She wanted to talk to Sean. Slap him too, probably, but the talking was the most important. Millions of questions were begging to be asked, anger demanding to be shown, and forgiveness that wasn't so willing. Maybe I should go to his hotel room, she thought as she sat on the floor with breakfast. But, then he might not be sober- he might've been drinking again.
He's almost becoming an alcoholic. That thought stung, it hit too close to home. Danielle remembered herself a few years ago- it made her feel sick. She had to help him, she had to forgive him and tell him he had to stop. Not right then, though. When things were safe again, when things had gotten back to normal- then she could talk to him. He had to understand, she'd make him realize how bad it was.
Danielle had all morning to herself, and she enjoyed it. The solitude was broken early in the afternoon, and she wasn't surprised when Vince McMahon came to her door. He had to ask her a few questions- still expected- and he could only stay for a few minutes. She didn't mind.
"Now, Danielle," he began. "What exactly happened last night? I've heard Shane's version, Sean's version, and now I want yours." Vince had made himself at home on the couch, looking every bit the business man- that she didn't want to talk to- in a dark suit.
Danielle sighed. "Where do you want me to start? When I left the party?"
Vince nodded in reply and wouldn't meet her eyes. "Ah, your party. That's an excellent starting point. So, tell me- in your own words- what went on."
Danielle could tell he didn't know why she left- but she wasn't planning on telling him. She relaxed in her seat instead, and started remembering. "Well, I was going back to my room after I left, and I met Sean. He was drunk, he hadn't been down to the party, and I helped him back to his room..."
~~~~~
It was almost eight o'clock before Danielle went to see Sean. She had knocked on his door for five minutes before he answered, and then he was surprised to see her.
Sean was out of breath, red faced, and looking at her with cold eyes. "Hi Danielle," he said, leaning against the door frame. "Can I help you with something?" Danielle didn't reply immediately, and he sighed. "My my, has Shane fucked your brains out already?"
Her eyes shot up to meet his, full of blue fire. "I came to have a talk with you, Sean. But, if you don't want to be civil- I'll be happy to leave." Anger overthrew her confusion, ad she would have no problem matching his attitude- if not beating it completely.
"That would be fine with me," he replied. "I didn't want-"
"Sean? Who ya talkin' to?" They both jumped at the loud female voice, coming from inside his hotel room. He turned to look at the other woman, and Danielle got the chance to glance over his shoulder at her.
She was short, model skinny, and had long blonde hair. Dyed obviously, and fried from it too. Skin tight jeans and a see-through black shirt completed the look, and Danielle had to smirk. Either she was paid to be there, or she was one of the fabulous groupies. This blonde was looking at her, narrowed eyes and a pout firmly in place.
"Who's she?" Saying it was such distaste, and Danielle raised her eyebrows at her.
Smirking, Danielle glanced at Sean. He's going to hate me for this... but he deserves it. "Yeah, Sean. Who am I?" His gaze darkened, and she winked wickedly. "Well?"
"That," he said, pointing toward Danielle, "is a nobody, a nobody who slept her way to a good job." The blonde giggled and squeezed his arm, giving Danielle a condescending look.
Not to be outdone, Danielle rolled her eyes. "Of course," she said- actually shocked that he didn't know what she was thinking. "it was either that, or... well, sleep with you." Flashing another big smile, Danielle turned and left.
Her pace back to her room was fast, angry, and desperate to get behind a closed door. She wanted to be alone, and she wanted everything to be over. Her attitude had gotten the better of her, but Sean had been so outright rude that she didn't know what to do. So, her always-present attitude was there.
Falling onto the couch, Danielle forced herself to calm down. She sighed, her heart was racing, and breathed out slowly. The trembling of rage finally stopped, and she closed her eyes. I'm so sick of this, she decided, I don't want to be this damn weak. I was never like this before, what's wrong with me all of a sudden? She knew the answer. There were two things wrong with her: Sean and Shane.
Sean was the bigger of two problems, she asked herself, wasn't he? He had been so angry lately, and a good deal of that anger was directed toward her. She knew why. Things had changed between her and Shane- even if she didn't like to admit it- and it was something that Sean didn't like.
Danielle could feel the changes. Shane had kissed her, not that he hadn't before, but she enjoyed it more now. He had always had feelings for her- everyone knew that- but what was going on with her? She'd never wanted him as more than friends, but now she wasn't so sure. The way he looked at her made her feel nervous, and left her wanting more at the same time. It made her muscles tense to think of it, and a strength that she'd long missed coursed through her veins.
Danielle's reawakened determination made her sit up straighter and look at the door. If she was so damn confused over what she felt and what she wanted, why didn't she go and find out right now?
~~~~~
Shane was in his hotel room, filling out some paperwork with a distracted mind. He was thinking about Danielle, and his fight with Sean. He had said he didn't regret it, and he still meant it. It was enjoyable for him in a way, attacking the source of his frustration and letting his anger run wild.
The only thing he would've changed was Danielle's involvement. She shouldn't have been there when they fought, she shouldn't have had Sean manhandle her like he did. It made every cut and bruise worth it to stop Sean from hurting her, and he would do it again without hesitation or a second thought.
Someone knocked on his door, and he rubbed his eyes tiredly. Just what I need, he thought dryly, some company. "Just a minute," he called out, getting to the door and unlocking it. Shane opened it and, before he could say a word or see a thing, was pushed back inside. He hit the wall, heard the door slam, and waited for a fist. He didn't get hit, instead he looked up to meet a forceful kiss.
Those full lips were familiar, and he could smell light scented shampoo. A very feminine body held his to the wall, and he didn't mind the brutal attack on his swollen lip. Shane instantly knew who it was, and he looked down at her in shock when she stepped away from him.
He stared dumbly at her, taking deep breaths. "Dani?" he said softly. "Is something wrong?"
Danielle smiled at his surprise and gave him a soft peck on the cheek, meeting his eyes. "Not anymore."
~~~~~
Stephanie took Danielle back to her room, and Danielle sat silent on her couch. Stephanie busied herself getting coffee, and Danielle turned on the tv for distraction, watching with her feet curled up underneath her. She felt physically sick, the sound of Shane's fist and the sight of them attacking each other kept replaying in her mind.
"Do you... want to talk or anything?" Danielle glanced up momentarily, and accepted the steaming cup from Stephanie. She sat down on the couch with a worried expression.
Danielle shrugged. "Doesn't matter," she said softly. "Do you want to talk about something?"
"No, Stephanie replied. "I think it would make me... I just don't want to hear it. I'm glad I wasn't there to see it..." They sat without speaking, the only sound was the television, and then Stephanie looked at Danielle sadly. She took a sip of coffee and watched Danielle, she looked so distressed. "Do you want to be alone?" she asked softly.
Danielle slowly met her eyes, and then finally nodded. "Yeah, that'd be good." Stephanie smiled sympathetically, gave her a hug, and left in silence.
Glancing toward the tv, Danielle changed it to one of the movie channels. She didn't want to think, she just wanted to sit there in the blessed silence and forget everything. Absolutely everything. She flicked through the channels, there were two movies she might watch. She chose the longer one, The Talented Mr. Ripley, because she'd never get to sleep anyway.
This was a movie she enjoyed, and it was nice to lose herself in the plot, her coffee, and Matt Damon. Danielle did good, she forgot about the real world for a while, until someone in the film mentioned Damon's hair. Of all things, that reminded her of Sean. She viciously pushed him from her mind, but then another man came in. Shane, that fist-happy idiot.
He had protected her so fully, with no concern for the consequences- especially Sean's ability to fight back. And, he was mad at her when he did it. What would've he done, she asked herself, if we were friends as usual? The thought of his recklessness- rare for him- didn't comfort her, it made her more nervous. If he fought so angrily against one of her friends, what if the other person would've been a stranger? But, in that case, she'd probably appreciate it.
A cold chill suddenly ran up her spine, and she curled her arms tightly around her shoulders. That fight scared her, plain and simple. The meaning behind both men's reaction could be so many things. Add their moods as of late into the mix, and she was left baffled.
Danielle glanced up at the television. The movie had flown by- it was almost over- and she hadn't been able to stop thinking and relax like she wanted to. She frowned and glanced down at herself, she couldn't believe she was still wearing the red dress. Maybe that will take my mind off it, she thought hopefully.
Emerging from the bedroom a few minutes later in pajama pants, loose t- shirt, and her favorite fuzzy slippers, Danielle sank back into the couch. She had looked at the alarm clock on her way by, it didn't surprise her that it was past midnight. Another all-nighter, she thought with a sigh. I can't wait.
She didn't have to wait very long. A quiet knock, almost like a mistake, interrupted her thoughts. Danielle sighed, what did Stephanie want now? She walked to the door silently and opened it- expecting to see Stephanie looking back at her.
Instead, she saw dark hair, tired brown eyes, and a bruised and swollen lower lip. Shane looked back at her, glanced down the hallway, and then gave her a small smile. "Can I talk to you? Now?"
Danielle stepped back and moved to let him in, and he sat on the couch, hands resting on his knees. She sat next to him, turned sideways so she could look at him. He turned to meet her gaze, and he could feel her eyes seeing every scratch and bruise.
"You look horrible," she said softly. "Is that the worst of it?" She motioned toward his lip, and he smirked.
"No, but trust me- I did one hell of a job on Sean." She instantly gave him a glare, and he shrugged. "Sorry, but he did deserve it."
Danielle shook her head and slid down in the couch, stretching her legs across the floor. He was actually bragging- bragging about that horrible fight. She looked up at Shane, met his deep eyes, and pursed her lips. "Why did you have to do that?" she asked. "I don't care if you two hate each other, that was the stupidest thing you've ever done."
He looked up at her calm and cold tone, and sat back in the couch silently. After a pause, he reached over to gently touch her cheek. "I wouldn't call it that," he said, eyes going bitter as he remembered. "He was hurting you... do you expect me to just let him do that?"
"It was an accident, Shane! He would never hurt me intentionally. Don't blame him for your jealousy." Danielle looked at the floor, voice becoming more sensitive than she wanted it to be. "You both could've gotten so hurt, and what if Sean presses charges?"
Shane shook his head, stretched his arms along the top of the couch, and looked back at her. "He won't, not if he has any sense." She lowered her eyebrows curiously, and he smiled slightly- painfully. "I did hit him first, but we all know he was being rough with you. Whether he meant it or not, he laid his hands on you. He could get charged for that just as much as he could charge me- if not more." He paused and sighed. "Besides, Vince is going to have it out with both of us in the morning."
"Serves you right," she replied.
He ignored her muttered comment. "Dani... if he asks you questions, would you be able to talk about it? I think he'll want your opinion on what went on."
She gave him another cold look, such a change from the worry she tried to hide. "Why would it bother me?" she said bitterly. "I'm not the one with any cuts or bruises."
"You aren't?" he replied quickly, fire in his eyes. "Show me your arm- the one Sean had." She didn't move, and he took her hand into his own gently. "Let me see it, prove your point."
Danielle pulled away quickly, and met his eyes. "Fine," she said shakily. She grabbed her sleeve and roughly pulled it up, revealing her right arm. She didn't look at his face, she didn't want to see the reaction.
One large bruise extended almost completely around her upper arm, Sean was stronger than he had meant to be- she was sure of that. An ugly rainbow of brown and blues was prominent against her light, smooth skin, and she had been ignoring the pain for hours.
Danielle dared to look at Shane, and his face was pulled tight. Naked rage darkened his face, and he forced his eyes closed with calming breaths. "That asshole..." he whispered. "I'm glad I broke his nose."
She looked up quickly and drew her sleeve down to her wrist, glad to hide the mark. "You broke his nose?" she asked, exhaling one quick breath. He nodded slowly, and she nervously wrapped her arms around herself. "Damn, Shane... what would you have done if you weren't pissed off at me?" It was the question she kept asking herself, and she hoped her would answer.
"I'm not angry with you," he said with a shrug. "I'm just VERY frustrated with how you act sometimes." Meeting her eyes again, he smiled slightly. "I'd do the same thing, Dani. I don't regret what I did to him, and I don't regret why."
Danielle swallowed thickly, the determined glint was back in his eyes and it made her feel weak. "You didn't have to do anything..." She paused and glanced away from his eyes. They drew her back to them, and she couldn't ignore his hurt lip. "I'm so sorry," she said finally, and he knew what she meant.
"Don't be, Shane replied, giving her a genuine smile. "It's not as bad as it looks." The lie was obvious, but it comforted her regardless.
~~~~~
Sleep did take her, even if only for a few hours, and no one disturbed her the next morning. Danielle still woke up early, grateful for the peace and quiet, but there was a note on her door- saying she could miss another session with her trainer. That didn't comfort her.
Everyone must know by now, she realized. How am I going to stand having everyone give me those pitying looks? She glanced down at her arm, and then went back to her suitcase. Putting on a sweater moments later, she smirked. They can't pity me if they've got nothing to pity.
She wanted to talk to Sean. Slap him too, probably, but the talking was the most important. Millions of questions were begging to be asked, anger demanding to be shown, and forgiveness that wasn't so willing. Maybe I should go to his hotel room, she thought as she sat on the floor with breakfast. But, then he might not be sober- he might've been drinking again.
He's almost becoming an alcoholic. That thought stung, it hit too close to home. Danielle remembered herself a few years ago- it made her feel sick. She had to help him, she had to forgive him and tell him he had to stop. Not right then, though. When things were safe again, when things had gotten back to normal- then she could talk to him. He had to understand, she'd make him realize how bad it was.
Danielle had all morning to herself, and she enjoyed it. The solitude was broken early in the afternoon, and she wasn't surprised when Vince McMahon came to her door. He had to ask her a few questions- still expected- and he could only stay for a few minutes. She didn't mind.
"Now, Danielle," he began. "What exactly happened last night? I've heard Shane's version, Sean's version, and now I want yours." Vince had made himself at home on the couch, looking every bit the business man- that she didn't want to talk to- in a dark suit.
Danielle sighed. "Where do you want me to start? When I left the party?"
Vince nodded in reply and wouldn't meet her eyes. "Ah, your party. That's an excellent starting point. So, tell me- in your own words- what went on."
Danielle could tell he didn't know why she left- but she wasn't planning on telling him. She relaxed in her seat instead, and started remembering. "Well, I was going back to my room after I left, and I met Sean. He was drunk, he hadn't been down to the party, and I helped him back to his room..."
~~~~~
It was almost eight o'clock before Danielle went to see Sean. She had knocked on his door for five minutes before he answered, and then he was surprised to see her.
Sean was out of breath, red faced, and looking at her with cold eyes. "Hi Danielle," he said, leaning against the door frame. "Can I help you with something?" Danielle didn't reply immediately, and he sighed. "My my, has Shane fucked your brains out already?"
Her eyes shot up to meet his, full of blue fire. "I came to have a talk with you, Sean. But, if you don't want to be civil- I'll be happy to leave." Anger overthrew her confusion, ad she would have no problem matching his attitude- if not beating it completely.
"That would be fine with me," he replied. "I didn't want-"
"Sean? Who ya talkin' to?" They both jumped at the loud female voice, coming from inside his hotel room. He turned to look at the other woman, and Danielle got the chance to glance over his shoulder at her.
She was short, model skinny, and had long blonde hair. Dyed obviously, and fried from it too. Skin tight jeans and a see-through black shirt completed the look, and Danielle had to smirk. Either she was paid to be there, or she was one of the fabulous groupies. This blonde was looking at her, narrowed eyes and a pout firmly in place.
"Who's she?" Saying it was such distaste, and Danielle raised her eyebrows at her.
Smirking, Danielle glanced at Sean. He's going to hate me for this... but he deserves it. "Yeah, Sean. Who am I?" His gaze darkened, and she winked wickedly. "Well?"
"That," he said, pointing toward Danielle, "is a nobody, a nobody who slept her way to a good job." The blonde giggled and squeezed his arm, giving Danielle a condescending look.
Not to be outdone, Danielle rolled her eyes. "Of course," she said- actually shocked that he didn't know what she was thinking. "it was either that, or... well, sleep with you." Flashing another big smile, Danielle turned and left.
Her pace back to her room was fast, angry, and desperate to get behind a closed door. She wanted to be alone, and she wanted everything to be over. Her attitude had gotten the better of her, but Sean had been so outright rude that she didn't know what to do. So, her always-present attitude was there.
Falling onto the couch, Danielle forced herself to calm down. She sighed, her heart was racing, and breathed out slowly. The trembling of rage finally stopped, and she closed her eyes. I'm so sick of this, she decided, I don't want to be this damn weak. I was never like this before, what's wrong with me all of a sudden? She knew the answer. There were two things wrong with her: Sean and Shane.
Sean was the bigger of two problems, she asked herself, wasn't he? He had been so angry lately, and a good deal of that anger was directed toward her. She knew why. Things had changed between her and Shane- even if she didn't like to admit it- and it was something that Sean didn't like.
Danielle could feel the changes. Shane had kissed her, not that he hadn't before, but she enjoyed it more now. He had always had feelings for her- everyone knew that- but what was going on with her? She'd never wanted him as more than friends, but now she wasn't so sure. The way he looked at her made her feel nervous, and left her wanting more at the same time. It made her muscles tense to think of it, and a strength that she'd long missed coursed through her veins.
Danielle's reawakened determination made her sit up straighter and look at the door. If she was so damn confused over what she felt and what she wanted, why didn't she go and find out right now?
~~~~~
Shane was in his hotel room, filling out some paperwork with a distracted mind. He was thinking about Danielle, and his fight with Sean. He had said he didn't regret it, and he still meant it. It was enjoyable for him in a way, attacking the source of his frustration and letting his anger run wild.
The only thing he would've changed was Danielle's involvement. She shouldn't have been there when they fought, she shouldn't have had Sean manhandle her like he did. It made every cut and bruise worth it to stop Sean from hurting her, and he would do it again without hesitation or a second thought.
Someone knocked on his door, and he rubbed his eyes tiredly. Just what I need, he thought dryly, some company. "Just a minute," he called out, getting to the door and unlocking it. Shane opened it and, before he could say a word or see a thing, was pushed back inside. He hit the wall, heard the door slam, and waited for a fist. He didn't get hit, instead he looked up to meet a forceful kiss.
Those full lips were familiar, and he could smell light scented shampoo. A very feminine body held his to the wall, and he didn't mind the brutal attack on his swollen lip. Shane instantly knew who it was, and he looked down at her in shock when she stepped away from him.
He stared dumbly at her, taking deep breaths. "Dani?" he said softly. "Is something wrong?"
Danielle smiled at his surprise and gave him a soft peck on the cheek, meeting his eyes. "Not anymore."
