Big thanks to everyone who has left reviews! Oh and in no shape or form do I condone violence, but it just had to be done!

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Head bent, Ray slowly walked back to the apartment block. He couldn't get the image of Gates all over Neela out of his head, and he was confused. Why would she do that to him? In all the time that he had known her, she had never lied to him.

The last time he hadn't trusted her, he'd nearly ruined any chance of a friendship. And now? Well this time she had ruined it…..right?

He smiled sadly, thinking about how amazing it had been to dance with her. She had seemed to be really enjoying herself, and he knew women. She had been encouraging him, he was sure of it!

So why would she kiss Gates? Was she playing a game with them both? The little voice in his head answered instantly, "not a chance, she wouldn't know how."

Stopping in his tracks, he shook himself. He ignored the pain in his heart and fought for mental control. Taking a deep breath, he thought back to what he had seen. His face had been bent down to hers, his arms were tightly around her waist. Had she been responsive? No, she'd been stiff, hadn't she?

Running his hand through his hair agitatedly, he spun around, decision made.

Neela had said to trust her. He hadn't trusted her before and had nearly blown it. If he was wrong, well he would suffer, but if he was right then Gates was going to pay.

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Scared, Neela looked behind her. He was close. She tried to pick up her pace, but her heels were getting in the way. Seeing the main road in the distance she increased her speed.

Suddenly she was lifted into the air and thrown unceremoniously onto the grass. She screamed. Her voice was instantly muffled by his hand, his body covered hers, pinning her to the ground.

"It doesn't have to be like this Neela," he said quietly, caressing her cheek with his other hand.

Tears stung her eyes. She felt helpless, nobody could help her now.

She was alone.

"Don't cry baby," he soothed.

Struggling to free herself, she tried to bite his hand. He laughed cruelly, clamping his hand down harder.

"The first time was amusing," he said calmly, eyes blazing, "but I don't think I'll be laughing a second time."

Releasing her he stood up. "Now get up," he said angrily.

Not moving, Neela clenched her fists, mentally thinking of how to escape.

"I said, GET UP," he roared.

Flinching, she stood slowly. Brushing herself down, she turned towards him.

"Tony," she pleaded, "just let me go, we can forget this ever happened."

Grabbing her arm he pulled her towards him, "Maybe I don't want to forget," he sneered, his face inches from hers.

"Please Tony," she urged.

He smiled coldly, "you've made a fool out of me. You need to be taught a lesson."

Scared, Neela forced herself to remain calm. He looked at her lips hungrily. Closing the distance between them he brutally kissed her. Opening her mouth slightly she granted him access. He moaned in this throat, loosening his hold on her slightly.

Suddenly, without hesitating, Neela brought her knee up, forcefully making contact with his groin. He released her instantly, doubling over in pain. She pelted back towards the apartment block.

She frantically looked behind her, he was still on the ground.

Swiftly turning around, she collided with a body.

She screamed and hit out.

"Neela, it's me," Ray said earnestly, grabbing her arms and pulling her protectively towards him.

"Ray?" she said hesitantly, before throwing her arms around him and bursting into tears.

Seeing Gates, Ray released his hold on her, "bastard." he seethed.

Panicked, Neela tightened her grip on him, "don't leave me." Her body shook as she buried her face into his chest. Torn, he relented, holding her tightly. Kissing and stroking her hair soothingly, he watched grimly as Gates limped towards his car and drove off.

After a while, he felt her trembling subside and her weeping lessen.

"Neela what happened," he asked gently.

Meeting her fearful gaze, his heart contracted. Eyes shining she remained silent.

"Did," he paused, "did he hurt you?" he hissed.

Inhaling sharply she looked away. She shook her head, "no, he didn't."

Gently framing her face with his hands, he turned her face towards him. He gazed tenderly into her eyes, "Neela, you're safe now."

"I know," she said solemnly, smiling at him weakly.

Kissing her on the forehead, he enveloped her protectively in his arms and rested his head atop of hers.

Eyes hardening, he murmured, "I won't let anyone hurt you."

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So this story is nearly at an end. Thought I'd let Neela do the arse kicking. What do you think, should I give Ray a chance to slap him about a bit OR should I just get to the chapter/s you've all been waiting for? Let me know.

Oh and back to work on Monday – boo hoo, so they won't be up as quickly I'm afraid. But it will be completed, I promise.