He sat outside the building smoking his cigarette and waiting, waiting ever so patiently for that red-headed devil to leave so he could confront his girl.
She thought she could run from him, that he would ever let her go? Well, she was in for one hell of a wake up call if she really believed that.
It took him months and several thousand dollars in private investigator fees, but all of it had finally paid off. He had caught up with her and now it was time to show her that if he couldn't have her, then no one else could either.
I bet you missed me, baby...
Adam stood in the bushes outside of Juliet's cozy little domicile, waiting patiently for the text to signal that everything was ready to go, knowing that soon he would go running back to where he came from and she would be all alone. I'm coming to get you, Juliet...
As soon as she was in the house alone, then he would make his move. It's time to finish what I started in Rochester, baby. You're mine, only mine and no one else will ever get to have to again. Just then, his phone buzzed with a notification from his newest companion.
PIC: Is the plan still a go? Are you in position?
AC: Yes, are you ready?
PIC: Ready, as long as you are sure this is what we need to do.
AC: Do it. Now.
I bet you missed me, baby, he thought, a sinister grin stretching across his face as he watched her happy home. See you soon, Juliet.
Jughead was awoken the next morning, not by the sunshine seeping through the delicate gauze curtains that adorned her windows, but by the feather light kisses and warmth of the woman he loved wrapping herself around him. Jughead opened his eyes and smiled, feeling Betty's soft kisses being peppered across his chest. He reached down to grasp her cheeks, bringing her up to meet him in a tender, heartfelt kiss. Jughead wrapped his arms around her and she gasped as his mouth covered hers, the couple exploring each others bodies with their fingertips.
Jughead sighed in deep satisfaction, knowing that he never wanted to leave this moment with her. This is what he'd been missing over these last five years. She was all he would ever need and he wasn't going to let her go again. They had picked up right where they had left off and he couldn't be happier about it.
Last night was one of the most mind blowing experiences of his entire life. Honestly, he wasn't really sure how they had made it back to Greendale in one piece. Not when all he could focus on was Betty's hand down his pants, slowly stroking his rock-hard member as he attempted to shift gears.
Betty had always loved to tease him, wanting to hear him beg her for sweet release when he couldn't take he torture anymore. Once they had made it back to her house, they'd spent half the night shrouded in each others arms and making love, both reaching ecstasy several times before they finally succumbed to satiated exhaustion.
"Mmm, I love kissing you, Betts. I just can't get enough of your lips," he hummed as he gave her one last impassioned kiss, pulling her flush against his chest. Betty smiled sweetly at him as he spoke, her green eyes shining in the morning sunlight. "Good morning, my love."
"Morning to you too, Juggie. How'd you sleep?" She asked with a mischievous grin adorning her features, bringing back memories of all the things they'd done the previous evening. This was how Jughead wanted every morning to be for the rest of his life. He never wanted to lose this goddess in his arms ever again. He didn't know where Betty saw him as a part of her life in the long run, but he knew he'd never go anywhere unless she told him to.
Jughead rolled them over so that Betty was trapped underneath his body and stared down at her, "I love you, Betty. I have never stopped loving you, not in all these years we've been apart. I don't think I ever will. I just- God Betty, I just fucking love you so much it hurts," his voice cracked, betraying his emotions in that moment and showing his vulerability. Jughead could see tears forming in her eyes that made his heart clinch painfully in his chest, knowing that their past mistakes haunted her as well.
"I love you too, Juggie. You're the only man I have ever loved, it's only ever been you. I promise you right now, I'm never going to run again. It's you, me, and JJ -our little family- forever. That is, as long as you'll have us," Betty beamed through unshed tears as he captured her mouth in a sultry kiss. She quickly deepened it, pulling Jughead closer to her bare center, winding her legs around his hips. Betty's hands gripped his firm ass, pulling him flush to her heat and begging him in a raspy whisper, "Make love to me, Juggie. I need to feel you inside me."
Jughead groaned, his already stiffened cock sliding through her drenched folds, rubbing her clit with his tip. He pushed inside Betty slowly, feeling her tight cunt pulsing around him as he buried himself all the way inside her. Jughead pulled back slowly, almost pulling out of her completely before plunging back into her again. He kissed her affectionately, picking up speed with each push inside her dripping entrance when his phone started ringing. Jughead groaned and paused his thrusts, dropping his forehead to her shoulder in aggravation.
"Just don't answer Jug, they can leave a message. Just- please," Betty said, panting and raising her hips up to meet his, begging him to continue. He hissed as he pulled out and pounded into her again, feeling himself bottoming out inside of her. Betty let out an enthusiastic shout as he surged into her a punishing speed, her cries of pleasure filling his ears with her seductive song.
"Betts, you are so fucking beautiful, I-," Jughead grunted before he was cut off by his phone ringing again. Tired of being interrupted that infernal ringing, he picked up his cell from the side table. Never slowing his thrusts as he looked at the caller ID that flashed Toni's photo at him and groaned. Dammit, Topaz.
Jughead pulled out of Betty suddenly, flipping her over onto her hands and knees on the mattress before diving back into her core. Jughead covered her mouth with his free hand, pulling her flush against his body to whisper in her ear smugly, "You'd better be quiet, Betts. Unless my dirty girl wants everyone to know how good she likes to be fucked."
Betty whimpered into his palm as Jughead hit the answer button, resting his phone on his shoulder while continuing to fuck into her at a staggering pace. "This had better be good, Toni," he said through gritted teeth.
Jughead felt his climax approaching him quickly and could tell Betty wasn't too far behind from the way her body trembled. He tossed his phone on the bed, slipping his hand down to rub circles vigorously against her clit that drive her over the edge. Her screams of pleasure were barely muffled by his hand as he grunted and spilled inside her, painting her walls with his seed.
"Hello? Jughead, are you there? Forsythe Pendleton Jones the-" Jughead grabbed the phone and brought it on his ear.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm here," he panted, trying to catch his breath.
"For fucks sake, Jughead. Can't you stop fucking for two seconds so we can have a serious conversation?" Toni asked, annoyance with a hint of disgust lacing her tone, "I need you to get to the club right now. Someone broke in and smashed all our stock behind the bar and busted a few of the sprinkler heads. The place is fucking flooded and they had to shut off the water main so we have no running water."
"What?! Holy shit- ok yeah, I'll be there in like thirty. Is Dad on his way there now to report the break in and damage?" Jughead jumped up, grabbing his boxers and faded blue jeans and struggling to get them on in his haste. Betty could tell that whatever was being said on the other end of the line wasn't good news.
"Yeah, he's on his way. I called him right before I called you and Sweets. Just get here quick, alright? We'll see you in a bit Jug," Toni said before hanging up. Jughead floppy down on the edge of Betty's bed, pants still half zipped and raked his fingers through his hair. He hadn't had to deal with this kind of bullshit since he turned the Serpents legit and ran the Ghoulies out of town for good. He hoped that it was just some kids messing around or playing a prank but he was concerned that there was more to this than meets the eye.
"Juggie, is everything alright?" Betty asked quietly, brow furrowed in concern as she scooted behind him with the sheet wrapped around her torso. She let it pool around her waist as she brought her hands up into his hair, massaging his scalp to help relieve the stress. Jughead let out a whimpered sigh, eyes fluttering closed at the feeling of her soothing fingers in his hair.
"Apparently, someone broke in and did a number on the club last night. I'm so sorry baby but I need to head back to Riverdale and take care of this," Jughead said, a torn look on his face as he stood up to face her. "I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. I was planning to take you and JJ out for breakfast before we take him to Dad's to meet everyone. Is that okay with you?" He asked while pulling on his t-shirt, kneeling on the mattress as he cupped her cheek with his palm.
"Of course, Jug. That's more than ok. Now, go on. That way you can get everything taken care of and be back before Cheryl gets here with JJ. I love you," she whispered, slipping on her robe to give him a quick peck on the lips before seeing him to the door. Betty watched Jughead pull away on his bike before closing the door with a sigh, fully content for the first time in a very long time.
Betty knew she had some time to kill before Jug got back so she decided to turn on some music and get ready to start her day. She put her hair up into a messy bun and washed her face before turning the shower tap to warm the water up. She hummed along to the music, dropping her robe to admire all the love bites that he'd peppered along her alabaster skin over the past few days. It sent a jolt of arousal to Betty's core when she thought of how his mouth felt against her skin.
As Betty relaxed under the pulsation of the warm water on her skin, a familiar tune began to play that sent chills down her spine. She froze, unable to stop the memories from flooding back to the forefront of her mind.
"Cher, I know you don't like this but I need this job, ok? The money you gave me is running out and I have to make sure JJ is taken care of. Just please, please support me on this? I promise this club is not nearly as bad as the one back in the city, and they have a lot more security so I feel a lot safer here," Betty pleaded with her cousin, the only person -besides her son- that she had left in this world, to understand why she had to do this. She couldn't let him stop her from living her life or making a living. She refused to let him hurt or scare her anymore.
"Fine B, but I'm telling you now, as soon as we get The Cat opened, you are quitting these skeezy clubs and coming to dance at our establishment. And," Cheryl paused and turned to Betty, cocking her brow, "I'm warning you now, the first motherfucker who lays a hand on you is getting buried at the maple farm. I will not have anyone hurt my baby momma again," Cheryl stood taller and nodded her head once to emphasize her point. Betty shook her head and chuckled at her cousins ferocity.
"Cher, I love you like a sister but it's still a bit creepy that you call me that. You do realize we're cousins, right?" Betty laughed, rocking the cooing little boy in her arms. JJ was just a year old and already he looked just like his daddy. Deep down, Betty believed that he looked like Jughead so that -in some way- she would never truly lose him.
"Well, that didn't stop Polly and Jason, now did it?" Cheryl pointed out playfully, taking JJ out of Betty's arms to lay him in his playpen.
"Eww, don't remind me," Betty grimaced at the thought, still not believing that her sister unknowingly bred with her third cousin. If she was completely honest, she didn't want to think about Polly at all that right now.
Betty had been so angry when she heard the news from Cheryl that, not only had her sister fallen under the spell of a cult leader named Edgar Evernever, but she had dragged her mother along for the insane ride as well. Betty's heart broke just thinking about the environment her poor niece and nephew must be living in.
"Ok, ok. Off you go now, we don't want you to be late for your first day at The Busy Beaver." Cheryl quipped, breaking Betty out of her thoughts. She rolled her eyes before cutting Cheryl off with a glare.
"Cher, it's The Feisty Fox and you know it," she scolded, only half serious. Betty grabbed her purse and slipped her heels on, placing a kiss to her son's messy raven curls before hugging her best friend. Cheryl wrapped her in a bear hug, holding her firmly to her chest. She cleared her throat and tried to sound chipper as she spoke.
"Fine Cousin, just have a good time, be safe, and don't forget to draw blood if the need should arise. Tootles!" Cheryl squeezed her one last time, wanting to keep her safe but knowing that she had to let Betty do this on her own. Even if she wanted to, Cheryl knew Betty wouldn't let her fight Betty's battles for her forever.
Betty was backstage touching up her make up after her first performance when her new boss, Vince, stepped into the dressing room. He was an older man, late forties early fifties, and seemed a bit rough around the edges but had kind eyes and a welcoming smile. Betty heard that Vince was a stickler for keeping his girls safe at all costs, which was what drove her to get a job at this particular club in the first place. He walked up behind her and smiled at her in the vanity mirror.
"How's the night going for ya, Jules? Nobody givin' you a hard time are they?" He asked, his voice genuine. Vince seemed more like a father figure to the girls, helping them find safe places to live, sometimes even paying for the girls to get their GED's so they weren't stuck in this lifestyle forever.
He'd even offered to help Betty get her diploma so she could have a better shot at getting into college. As an eighteen year old single mother -who was also a high school dropout- that was one of the kindest things anyone could have ever offered her. Betty smiled up at him and shook her head.
"Nah, Vince, it's been good. Haven't had any issues yet. Though, the bouncers definitely know how to handle the handsy ones," Betty chuckled, retouching her brick red lipstick. She adjusted her robe, brushing simmering powder along her collarbone and chest. She knew it was kind of a stripper cliche but she truly loved putting on the body glitter. It made her feel sexy and she loved the way it made her body glow in the spotlights.
"Well, good, I'm glad. So, I hate to do this to ya but there's been a change of plans to your next number. Just got a request from a big spender on a new song choice, you think you can dance to something this slow?" Vince handed her an earbud, clicking the play button on his phone to let her listen to the hauntingly melodic song.
Betty hadn't heard the song since she was younger, but she knew the song well and knew she could make it work. It brought back memories of the time she had snuck into The Bijou with Polly to watch 'Sucker Punch', the latter ranting about 'girl power' and how it was supposed to be a 'cinematic revolution'. Honestly, it was a bit mature for a nine year old but Betty wanted to feel like a big girl so she went anyway. Betty nodded her head as she handed the earbud back to Vince.
"Yeah, I got this, Vince. I don't think this should be an issue at all," she smiled brightly as he left her alone to finish up her makeup and get ready to go up on stage. Betty removed her silk robe, completely bare underneath save for her black lace thong and checked herself over one last time. She ran her fingers along her skin, admiring her newly curvaceous figure she had developed courtesy of being a mother. Betty took a deep, calming breath and headed to the stage.
The stage was almost completely dark as Betty approached it's center, the only thing shining through the darkness was the chrome pole that she had gripped in her hands. She took a deep breath as the song slowly started to fill the air and she began her dance.
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Betty walked around the pole, slowly at first, then she wrapped her legs around the pole and swung herself around it, closing her eyes and feeling the music flowing through the speakers. It made her feel powerful, taking her to another plane of existence and helping her to leave her body so she could just flow along with the song.
Betty always felt this feeling when she danced, the feeling of being uncaged and unbound to the rules of society. She felt truly and completely free when she was dancing on the pole. Like nothing bad could ever happen to her, like she was in control of her own destiny. She bit her lip as she jumped, grabbing the pole higher before wrapping it between her thighs as she hung upside down, spinning around the pole slowly as she slid closer to the floor.
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
As Betty leaned up to bring her feet back down to the stage, she couldn't help but think of the first time she danced on stage at the Whyte Worm. She had only just turned sixteen a few months before and was scared out of her mind to get up to dance in front of all those people but she'd kept her focus on Jughead and all her fears crumbled.
Betty wanted to be a part of his world so badly that she would have agreed to just about anything. Including doing that stupid, mysogonistic and outdated practice known as the Serpent Dance. She may not have agreed with the ritual but she loved him so she overlooked it if it meant she was his equal. She wanted him to see that she was strong and brave and that she would do anything for him.
Betty had done it all for him but in the end, it still wasn't enough. Jughead still threw her out of his life and told her never to come back. Told her that she was better off without him, that she'd be safer without him. Well, the jokes on him. He was probably the only thing that could have kept her safe from Adam and yet, Jughead didn't want her so he wasn't around to stop Adam from hurting her all those times. Couldn't stop her from getting all those broken bones, couldn't stop the constant fear she lived in.
If Jug could see me now, what would he think of me? Betty asked herself as she snaked her body up and down the chilly chrome pole. He'd probably never even look at you twice. He'd see the whore you have become. Betty shivered, shaking her head slightly to get his voice out of her head. Betty swung around the pole again, letting herself get lost in the rhythm of the song.
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
Betty spun even faster this time, feeling the melody and the heavier breakdown consume her very soul. She turned to dip down the pole again and froze, her blood running cold even under the hot house lights. It can't be him, it just can't. Betty thought to herself, feeling panic creeping up her spine.
She could barely hear the roar of the crowd over the blood rushing in her ears. She shook herself out of the thoughts and continued to dance seductively for the crowd. She felt his eyes watching her and even though she couldn't see his face, she knew he was there, waiting for the right time to strike.
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Betty looked behind her and could just barely make out a figure standing off stage, tall and menacing, and she felt herself start to panic even more. She dropped to her knees, crawling across stage in front of a hoard of horny men, all of them putting money in her thong or throwing it at her on the stage like she was a piece of meat. They'd let their hands linger on her skin a fraction too long causing unwelcome goosebumps to form, making her shiver.
This was the part she hated the most, what she wished she could get away from and not the dancing. The dancing was her safe space, but she didn't want to have to writhe around on dirty floor just to get a dollar from some sweaty old man, all so she could make ends meet each month.
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
If the Jug I knew was here, I wouldn't have to do this. He wouldn't let me do this, he'd find a way to save me from this life. He'd protect me. Betty thought sadly. She missed him more each day, wished that she could tell him everything that's happened in her life and tell him about their beautiful son. Betty longed for the day when he'd figure out she was using the fictional name they had agreed on for their daughter and came to find her. At least, she prayed that he'd even want to find her.
Suddenly, as she started to crawl back towards the pole, she felt a hand wrapping itself around her ankle and begin to drag her off stage. Betty kicked at the unseen assailant and screamed, trying desperately to get away from whomever had a hold on her. Despite the obvious fear on her face and her attempts to get away, more men started grabbing, groping, and squeezing her. She even felt when one man ran his tongue along her calf muscle, causing her to cringe.
I'm gonna use you and abuse you
I'm gonna know what's inside
Gonna use you and abuse you
I'm gonna know what's inside you
The unknown figure from behind her rushed on stage, scooping her up and away from all the greedy mean and their lustful intentions. He cradled her to his chest like a child, whispering his every move in her ear as not to scare her further. Betty breathed in and could faintly detect the smell of sandalwood and orange zest. The smell mixed with his soothing words were enough to calm her down and help her relax into his embrace.
Betty looked behind her mysterious savior as she was being carried off stage and saw him, standing in the entryway, a wicked grin on his face. Adam winked at her, blowing a kiss her way before walking backwards outside the door and leaving her in a familiar state of terror once again.
Betty sat huddled at the bottom of her shower after the song ended, her body quivering with fear. She isn't even sure how it had gotten on her playlist but she knew for a fact that she'd never had it on any playlist she's ever made. Betty couldn't listen to that song without it invoking too many negative memories for her. She shakily tried to stand up, but her fear was just too much to take and she sat back down.
She knew it couldn't be a coincidence, knew this song wouldn't just pop up on her playlist unless he had done something to her phone or music cloud. He was the only one who had ever played that song and he'd used it to torture her before. It had to mean something and she knew it couldn't be good.
Betty jumped suddenly when she heard what sounded like the front door slamming shut. Her mind raced and fear took hold in her chest. She was afraid that the song might have been a warning, that he might actually be in her house and come back to finish what he started. She scrambled to her feet quickly, turning the water off and grabbing her fluffy terry cloth robe to cover her body as she slipped out of the shower.
Betty crept quietly into her room, praying that whoever was in the house was anyone but him. She reached into her night stand, carefully pulling out the stun gun that Cheryl insisted she keep inside her room for emergency purposes. She hid behind her bedroom door and held her breath, trembling in fear as she heard heavy footsteps coming closer to her room. She knew it wasn't Cheryl or JJ, the footsteps were too heavy for it to be a woman or child and Betty readied herself for a fight..
As the figure stepped into her room, Betty lunged forward with the stun gun primed and ready until a large hand swept around knocking it from her grasp.
"Jesus Betty, it's just me!" Jughead yelled, stepping away from her with his hands raised in surrender. Betty visibly deflated before collapsing to the floor in tears, relieved that it was a false alarm. That it was just Jughead and not the man she'd really been running from for the past four years. Jughead dropped to his knees beside her, concern etched on his face as he wrapped his arms around her damp form, holding her as tight as he could.
"Baby, shh, it's ok. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you Betts. It's just me, you're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you. You're safe, I swear," Jughead stroked her back lovingly, comforting her the best he knew how as she clung to him. It crushed his heart to see her so afraid and broken. He wanted to hurt the person who did this to her, who made her live in fear like this. After a few more moments, Betty finally calmed down enough to speak.
"What are you doing back so soon, Juggie?" She asked nonchalantly, sniffling and wiping her tears with the backs of her hands.
"I forgot my phone and had to come back to grab it in case you needed me. And after seeing you like this, I'm glad I did. Um, is everything okay, Betty?" Jughead asked gently, trying not to pry too much. He could feel her body tense in his arms and knew she was scared to talk about it with him still.
"Uh, yeah. I think so, Juggie. It's silly really. I just heard someone coming in and I got scared is all. I promise, I'm ok now," Betty brushed the last few stray tears from her cheeks and picked herself up off the floor with his help, smiling in an attempt to hide her fear. "But- would it be ok if I went with you? I-I just really don't want to be alone right now."
Jughead's heart constricted in his chest when he saw the way her body trembled and glimpsed the flash of panic in her emerald green eyes. He had so many questions he wanted to ask her -most importantly he wanted to know who did this to her- but Jughead knew that now was not the time to question her, right now he just wanted her to feel safe.
"Yeah, Betts. Of course you can come with me. As long as you promise me that you really are ok."
Betty looked up to see the stormy blue eyes of her lover, worry clouding them as he waited for her answer. She knew he could read her like a book, even after all these years, but she didn't want to have this discussion with him right now. She just wanted to have him stay with her to make her feel safe and protect her if something should happen.
"Yeah Juggie, I'm ok, I promise. Just-," Betty paused, trying to collect her thoughts, "I really think it's time for me to make some changes in my life and I want you to be there for them. Are you ok with that?"
"More than ok, baby. Nothing would make me happier," Jughead kissed her forehead, hugging her to his frame. "So Betts, what's the plan?"
"Well, I think it's time I go home for good now, Juggie."
Betty clung tightly to Jughead's lean torso while he took the curves into town smoothly on his bike, watching his loose hair whipping in the wind and realized she'd never thought she would've missed this feeling as much as she did. She had come to believe that dancing was the only thing that made her feel free, but being on the back of his bike again made her feel freer and safer than she'd felt in a very long time.
Betty watched the trees whizzing by her and remembered all the times they'd gone out on his bike just to get away when he first learned to ride. They'd ride outside the town limits and pretend that they were anywhere but the crazy messed up world that they grew up in. They dreamed of the day that they could just ride off into the sunset and leave Riverdale in their wake forever. Right now, the irony was not lost on her that they were on that very same bike, rushing back to the place that they had spent so much time trying to run away from together.
As they pulled up to the Worm, Betty could see at least two squad cars and a half a dozen bikes parked outside the front entrance. Seeing FP in his uniform made her smile but it also made her realize just how many things had changed in Riverdale while she was gone. How everyone she knew had grown into different people due to the passage of time, just like she had. She just hoped she could find her place in this world with them again.
"Hey Dad. Toni, Sweets. What's it look like?" Jughead asked as he parked his bike near the door, taking his helmet from Betty's hand and helping her off the bike before he dismounted. Betty was attempting to fix her long curls when she caught sight of the two people standing beside FP. Sweet Pea and Toni, almost exactly as she'd remembered them from high school, both with less than welcoming looks on their faces.
Betty understood why they might be standoffish with her. Hell, she expected it even. She'd run away after that night and left Jughead to pick up the pieces she'd left behind. And while she hated herself for putting him in that position and causing him so much pain, there was nothing she could do now to change it. It happened and they were working past it and building a new life together. She just hoped that one day they would all understand her reasons and accept her into the fold.
"Honestly Jug, it looks like it could've just been vandals or kids playing pranks. We checked the surveillance cameras but whoever it was did a number on the wiring and shut them down. Looks like we'll have to close the Worm for at least a week to repair the damage and get the sprinkler system fixed," Toni said, aggravation lacing her tone. Jughead sighed, pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and putting one between his lips to light it. He took a deep draw and blew the smoke out steadily, shaking his head slightly.
"Well, at least we still have the body shop and Black Betty's to keep the cash flow coming in until we can get this shit worked out," Jughead stared at the doors to the bar as he ran his fingers through his messy locks, his mind racing with the possibilities of who could have done this.
"Black Betty's? What's that?" Betty asked while leaning in to Jughead's ear, trying and failing to keep her voice down. The tall serpent to FP's right scoffed and rolled his eyes at her, making it pretty obvious that he didn't want her here in the first place, let alone asking questions about serpent business.
"Not that it's any of your concern, but that's the tattoo parlor that Jones named after that Northside bitch who broke his heart. Oh wait a minute, you'd know all about that, wouldn't you, Betty?" Sweet Pea taunted, still harboring a grudge against the blonde in front of him.
"Hey-" "Watch your mouth-" FP and Jughead shouted at the same time, both stepping up to confront Sweet Pea before the sound of Betty clearing her throat stopped them. Everyone froze, turning slowly to see the unamused look painted on Betty's face. She squared her shoulders and stood tall, much like she had the night before when she stood up to her mother, and stepped closer to the group.
"Oh, Sweet Pea darlin', so good to see you. Oh, how have I been? Well, just peachy-keen, you know? Stripping to make ends meet, starting a business from the ground up, raising a kid. You know, super easy stuff," Betty said in her best sweetly innocent voice before she rolled her eyes at him and continued, this time her voice dripping with venom, "It's good to know that you are still the same asshole you were in high school, Sweet Pea. Now, if you'll excuse me, this bitch has to go call her business partner and make arrangements to bring Jughead's son home."
Betty stepped forward, fondly kissing Jughead on the cheek and flashing FP a bright smile at the smirk he was trying to hide. She turned to gave Toni a sultry wink, blowing her a quick kiss before she flipped Sweet Pea off and walked around the side of the building to make her phone call.
"Damn Jones, when did little Betty Cooper become such a badass? Hey, if you ever don't want her, can I have her?" Toni asked him while tilting her head and biting her bottom lip, a soft hum escaping her lips as her eyes stayed glued to the sway of Betty's hips while she walked away.
"Not a chance, Topaz," Jughead said, looking at her much like Toni was in that moment and so grateful that he could call her his.
Betty walked around the back of the building, cursing to herself in frustration and enraged at the sheer stupidity and ignorance that Sweet Pea had just thrown her way. He didn't know her -didn't even before she'd left- and he had no idea what her story was, so what right does he have to judge her? She wasn't going to let some Fonzy wannabe dictate her life or her relationship or make her feel like shit for the choices that she'd made, she did enough of that all on her own.
I'll show him who's a bitc-, Betty's thoughts were interrupted when she crashed into something hard and shrieked slightly before she felt a hand covering her mouth. Large arms began wrapping themselves around her, trying to hold her in place. Betty struggled enough to whip around and throw a punch that her assailant easily diverted, wrapping her up again before she could even see their face. Panic set in and as she went to scream for help but a voice in her ear stopped it on her tongue, draining all the fear from her body instantly.
"Baby girl, I'm gonna need you to calm the fuck down before I move my hand," he whispered, holding her against his chest carefully as not to hurt her. Betty threw her elbow back into his ribs, making him double over and release his grip on her.
"Dammit Harv, what the hell is wrong with you? Why in the ever-loving fuck would you scare me like that? Are you trying to give me a heart attack, you ass!" She shouted, smacking Harvey on shoulders as he was bent over trying to catch his breath. "What the hell are you doing here?" Betty huffed, trying to calm herself down and slow her heart rate.
Harvey straightened his body up, peeking around the side of the building trying to see if anyone had seen them and also assess the damage to the bar from his vantage point. She noticed him looking around at all the faces standing out front before he stepped back to where Betty stood and placed his hands on her biceps, squeezing lightly to calm her.
It helped some but it wasn't going to help the fact that Betty was annoyed. Firstly, with herself for having almost tased her boyfriend this morning and for almost coldcocking one of her closest friends. Secondly, she was annoyed that this mess with Adam had made her so jumpy, even when he wasn't around. She seriously needed to get a handle on this situation before she hurt someone.
Betty shook her head and looked at him suspiciously, wondering why he'd followed them there. She knew Harvey and he never followed her around like this unless something was happening or Cheryl put him on extra security detail. Either way, she wanted to know what was going on. She stepped forward, narrowing her eyes at him as she spoke, "Alright, Kinkle. Spill it."
Harvey looked away hesitantly, unsure exactly what he should tell her. Cheryl hadn't been very clear on whether or not she knew that Adam was back so he went with the safest explanation, "You know, just some added security is all, baby girl. Cheryl's just concerned so she had Sab call in the boys to take shifts..." he trailed off when Betty gasped, her eyes as big as saucers. He should have known he couldn't hide anything from her for too long.
"Harvey? Is something happening that I need to know about? Is- is he back, Harv?" Betty whispered, fingers unclenched and flat on her sides to keep from breaking the skin of her palms. Betty shivered in anticipation. She could see the answer in his eyes but she didn't want to hear those words again, didn't know if she was strong enough this time to face the monster. Don't say it, don't say it, please don't say it.
"Betty, there was another letter. Cheryl- uh, she found it taped to your front door yesterday," Harvey paused briefly as her eyes widened in shock, "I'm sorry, Betty. I thought Cher told you, I really did."
At that moment, Betty was torn between being terrified or being enraged. After everything they've been through, Cheryl should have known better than to keep something like this from her. Betty's the one he is stalking, she's the one he wants dead. Betty pushed those thoughts from her mind, pulling her cell phone from her pocket to dial Cheryl's number, placing it on speaker.
"Hello Bettykins,I was just-"
"Cheryl Majorie Blossom! You want to explain to me why you didn't feel the need to tell me Adam was back?!" Betty whisper shouted into the phone as she paced back and forth behind the Whyte Worm. She didn't really want anyone to overhear her call but she kept it on speaker so Harvey could be privy to the conversation. After all, it was in his job description to know these things so he could assess all the risk factors.
Betty knew Cheryl was probably just trying to protect her but Betty wasn't going to let Adam scare her, not anymore. Things in her life were different now and she wasn't just having to rely on just her small chosen family anymore. She had a whole town full of friends and family who wanted her to come home safely and would fight the devil himself if it meant she was safe.
"Cousin, look- I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I wasn't even a hundred percent sure that it was him. It was just a scrap of paper but I wanted you to feel safe so I asked Harvey to keep an eye on the place while we looked into it," Cheryl said, her voice trembling through the receiver. Betty could tell Cheryl was just as terrified as she was, knowing the types of things Adam was capable of.
"Jesus Cher, I know you were scared too but how could you have kept this from me? You know what he will do if he gets close enough to-," Betty's words caught in her throat, the lump settling there making it hard to speak. Harvey, sensing her distress, stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms lovingly around the terrified girl that he cared for like a baby sister.
"B, I'm so sorry. I just didn't want to scare you over it just yet if it was just nothing. Yesterday, when I came over, you seemed really happy for the first time in years. I couldn't take that from you," Cheryl said sadly. Betty knew she meant well but this wasn't something Cheryl could just keep to herself. Betty needed to be prepared for him in case he decided to attack her again.
Most importantly though, she needed to make sure her child was going to be safe and as far away from Adam as possible. She needed to make sure that he wouldn't hurt her or her family ever again. It had to end somewhere and Riverdale was as good a place as any in Bety's books.
"Listen Cher, I understand your reasoning but no more lying or hiding things, deal? I won't have you keeping this stuff from me anymore, I want to be ready for him this time," Betty stated adamantly, letting Cheryl know this was how things needed to be from here on out. Although she was still worried about the whole situation, Cheryl reluctantly agreed. Betty explained her plan to Cheryl, who agreed to meet her in Riverdale with JJ later that afternoon. This way Cheryl would also have a chance to spend time with the twins while they got everything ready.
Betty sent her love and ended the call, shoving the phone back into her pocket with a heavy sigh, massaging her scalp with the tips of her fingers to fight off her oncoming migraine. Betty knew she couldn't let anything stop her, not this time. She needed this to be over and done with, once and for all. She just hoped that when she explained everything to Jughead, that he wouldn't be stupid and try to handle this situation himself. She leaned further into Harvey's hug and let out a deep, shaky breath. Their quiet moment was broken by an apathetic laugh and the flick of a zippo lighter.
"So Blondie, what's going on back here, huh? You got this big hunk of man-meat on the side that Jug doesn't know about?" They both jumped apart to see Sweet Pea sneering at them, lighting up a cigarette and waiting for her to answer, "I mean, I really shouldn't be surprised that you have a side dick. I know all about what line of work you've been in the last few years, so it's not far-fetched to assume you've been whoring it up all over the great state of New York. Damn Princess, if that's true, you sure that kid really is Jug's?"
Betty completely seethed, "To answer your first question Sweet Pea, no. I don't have any 'man-meat' on the side, as you put it. This is guy here is Harvey, my bodyguard and a close personal friend. Not that-that is any of your fucking concern, especially not when you insinuate that my son isn't Jug's and say that I must be a whore just because I take my clothes off for a living," Betty stepped forward, squaring up to him and staring him dead in his eyes. She wasn't afraid of him. She'd been up against a hell of a lot scarier people in the last five years and survived, so Sweet Pea's little insults weren't anything to her.
"I wasn't insinuating shit, Blondie. I was flat out stating that with the way you skipped town all those years ago, what big surprise would it be if that bastard kid you got wasn't someone else's that you were just passing off as Ju-," Betty's fist connected with his jaw with a sickening crack before Sweet Pea could even finish his sentence. She stood over him, her chest heaving and her knuckles throbbing from the punch she'd just landed.
Sweet Pea stumbled backwards, hitting the ground with a hefty thud just about the same time that Jughead, Toni, and FP came running around the corner. They all skidded to a stop at the sight of an enraged Betty Cooper standing over Sweet Pea as he held his jaw, spitting blood out of his mouth and narrowing his eyes at her. Jughead's eyes instantly trailed down to see her fists clenched, blood dripping from her split knuckle as she seethed.
Jughead ran to her side to pry her hands apart, hoping to prevent her from breaking skin and causing more damage. He laced his fingers with hers while whispering softly in her ear, "Betts, baby, just relax, I'm here. I got you, baby. It's ok, just breathe and tell me what happened?"
Betty didn't answer but her whole body shook with anger, a look lingering in her eyes that Jughead hadn't seen in a very long time. He'd seen it only a few times in their lifetime: the day Archie had punched him and called him stupid in front of her when they where in third grade, the day that they'd found Polly at the Sisters of Quiet Mercy and her mother had scolded her the entire way back to their home on Elm Street, the day that her locker had been defaced with pigs blood just for trying to help clear his Dad's name. But the very last time he'd seen that look was the absolute worst of all: the day he told her to leave and never come back.
Jughead watched as the darkness cast itself over her features as she stared at Sweet Pea. When Betty finally spoke, her voice almost sounded foreign to his ears, "Listen up asshole, 'cause I'm only saying this once. I won't just stand here and let you disrespect me or my child the way you just did, do you hear me Sweet Pea? You don't have to like me, you don't even need to be around me if you don't want, but you will not stand here and call me a whore and a liar to my face. Acting all high and mighty like you'd even know shit about me or my life," Betty paused as she glanced at Jug's expression, seeing the anger rise in him at hearing what his friend had said to her.
She turned back to Sweet Pea, leaning down to be just inches from his face, "And the next time you call our son a bastard," Betty stood full height motioning between her and Jughead -her eyes never losing the darkness they held, "I will cut your fucking balls off and feed them to you. You understand that, motherfucker?"
"Wait, he said what?" Jughead growled as he stepped forward, ready to tear into his best friend for disrespecting his family. He didn't care what reasons Sweet Pea had behind it, Jughead was still the Serpent King and he'd be damned if he'd stand for someone disrespecting Betty or their son. Betty put her hand on his chest, pushing him back to stand beside Harvey.
"Leave it Jug, it's done. I don't want you fighting with your family over me. It's fine, I handled it and we can move on," she said, placing her hand to Jughead's cheek gently in an attempt to calm him down. Jughead looked down at her, his eyes softening slightly before he spoke, "Sweets, apologize."
"What the hell for? She's the one who should be apologizing: to you, to all of us! She hurt you, she fucking punched me, and she was back here clinging to this douchebag in the cheap suit like her life depended on it before I came around back," Sweet Pea argued, trying to plead his case to Jughead.
"Sweets! Fucking apologize, right now!" Jughead yelled, shooting daggers at Sweet Pea. The taller man muttered something under his breath as he was picking himself up off the ground. He looked at Jughead with sorrow in his eyes before he schooled his expression again.
"Fine. I'm sorry," Sweet Pea murmured, hanging his head slightly before he turned on his heel and marched towards his bike. Fangs pulled into the parking lot just as Sweet Pea got on his bike, kicking it to life and speeding off towards the tattoo parlor. Fangs rushed over to the crowd that had gathered and began talking with Toni quietly.
"You good, baby girl?" Jughead snapped his head to the right, for the first time seeing the large man beside him who had broken the silence.
"Yeah, Harv, I'm fine. Nothing I couldn't handle. But hey, looks like I owe you a beer though. Seems all those defense lessons did actually come in handy," Betty laughed, keeping her hands firmly planted on Jughead's chest, her eyes never glancing away from his face.
Betty could tell from the look he was giving her that Jughead was thrown off by Harvey's nickname for her. She could see the wheels turning and his self doubt rising to the surface. She knew how it looked, she wasn't stupid, but that just wasn't who Betty was.
However, if you couple that term of endearment with the accusations that Sweet Pea had just laid on her, she knew it didn't look good to anyone who wasn't aware of the bond between the two of them. Their relationship was unique, to say the least. Had been from the very beginning
"Juggie, listen to me," Betty whispered, hoping that he would trust her enough to know she didn't want anyone else. "Sweet Pea doesn't know what he saw, ok? But if it helps I can explain it all to you, if you hear me out?"
Jughead nodded curtly, his jaw clenched tightly as his jealousy started to flare. He didn't want to think about Betty with someone else and he sure as hell didn't want anyone else calling her name's like that. It wasn't that he was a possessive guy, he just felt weird about someone else calling her baby.
"Come on Betts, let's go upstairs where we can talk... alone," he said flatly, glaring at Harvey who shrugged but remained stoic as always.
"Harv, wait downstairs until it's time to go, call to get an ETA from Cher, and make sure there is room in the Cadillac for the booster seat please. I'll need you to drive JJ back to Jug's so we can take the bike," Betty shouted over her shoulder as they all walked inside the bar, Jughead and Betty turning to walk up the same stairs from the previous night.
They ascended the staircase in silence, tension rolling off of them both. The air around them began to crackle, the same unavoidable energy they'd always generated when they were alone together becoming tangible. Betty could feel her stomach doing somersaults in anticipation and worry as they reached the door.
Betty walked inside his office, memories of the previous night flashing through her mind suddenly making the junction of her thighs throb with need. Jughead walked to the ensuite and grabbed a first aid kit, cleaning up her split knuckle before sitting on the corner of his desk with his arms crossed.
"Betts, who is that man downstairs?"
"T-Thank you, um," Betty paused, not sure who her savior was but glad that someone was there to stop those men from manhandling her anymore than she had already been.
"The names Harvey Kinkle, my Uncle Vince is the owner. Don't worry Juliet, I got your back from now on. You're safe with us," Betty looked into his kind eyes and instantly felt better, the fear that she had felt almost melting away completely.
Betty turned her head to see a platinum blonde bombshell standing in the backroom, adjusting her lipstick in the mirror. She turned as Harvey sat Betty to her feet, handing her a robe.
"Hiya sugar, I'm Sabrina and you must be our fair Juliet," she grinned at Betty, holding her hand out to say hello.
"Yep, that's me. I'm sorry, I don't want to be rude but who are you guys?" Betty was still somewhat shaken up and disoriented from the craziness that just happened. Sabrina smiled brightly at Betty, her pearly white teeth glistening in the light.
"Why honey, we're the people who are going to keep you safe."
"That was Harvey, my bodyguard. He's been working for and protecting me for years. Ever since Rochester-," she stopped, hesitant to tell him about what happened with Adam just yet. Jughead looked away from her, the nerves visible on his face.
"So, there's never been anything between you two?" He asked sheepishly. Betty's face screwed up in disgust even at the suggestion.
"Eww, God no! First off Jug, he's married to one of my employees and she is a good friend. Second, he is basically like the brother I never had growing up and that would just be too weird. He's always called me baby girl because I'm the youngest of our little group and he feels like our protector," Betty explained, stepping closer to him and standing herself between his legs, bringing her palms to the sides of his face.
"Baby, I know we both have a past but I can promise you, now and forever, there is only you. Yes, I won't lie to you. I went on a few horrible dates and had a few underwhelming one nighters, but I stopped all that almost four years ago. None of them were you, Juggie. You're all I ever thought about," Betty whispered, her breath ghosting his lips. She hovered just out of his reach as she ran her hands down his chest, "No one could ever make me feel the things that you do, Jug. I hunger for your touch every second of everyday, it's like I'm starved for you. Like I will combust if I can't have you in every way. Juggie, you have to believe me. I don't want anyone but you."
"I believe you, Betty. I believe you," Jughead growled as he captured her lips in a rough, penetrating kiss, his tongue finding its way into her mouth. Betty moaned, opening her mouth wider and allowing him to take control and guide their pace.
Jughead stood up quickly, lifting her effortlessly before sitting her on top of his desk. He growled as he ground his already swelling cock against her center, wanting desperately to finish what they'd started in this room last night. Betty pushed him back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest and lifting her shirt in one fluid motion to reveal a black lace bra that showcased her hardened nipples under the opac material of the cups.
"J-Jug, I need you. Please," Betty choked out, her arousal soaking her panties as he drug his teeth along her racing pulse. Jughead's hands ran up her thighs, pushing her tight leather skirt up her legs to bunch around her waist. He skimmed his fingers along her hips to grip the sides of her panties before she lifted her bottom, allowing him to drag them down her legs painfully slow.
Jughead shoved the wet scrap of lace into his pocket before dropping down to his knees, leveling himself with her drenched cunt. Jughead's tongue slipped past his lips, wetting them in anticipation before he devoured her, licking and sucking her pulsing clit furiously. Jughead caressed her inner thighs before teasing her dripping pussy with his tongue, driving her wild. Betty let out a guttural moan and buried both her hands into his hair, grinding against him wildly to chase her high.
"Fuck, Juggie. Don't stop," Betty gasped, rocking harder against his tonguing, feeling the coil tightening in her belly, ready to snap at any moment. Jughead plunged his middle and ring finger into her, curling them to massage her g-spot, making her tremble as he sucked mercilessly at her tender clit.
Betty felt the cord in her belly snap, the intensity of her orgasm causing her to arch back along his desk as Jughead helped her ride the uphoria as long as possible. When she finally came down from her high, Jughead sucked his fingers clean and pulled her back to a sitting position while fumbling with his belt.
"Here, let me," Betty whispered against his skin, undoing his belt and pushing his jeans down his legs. Betty's hand dipped below the waistband of his boxers, stroking him slowly as she kissed and sucked a bruise to the hollow of his neck. She kissed and nipped along his jaw before looking in his desire-hazed eyes, pushing his boxers down and letting his erection spring free, "I need you to fuck me, Jug."
Something inside him snapped at her words and like a man possessed, he took her mouth in a demonically passionate kiss before thrusting deep inside her. Betty let out a strangled cry, her nails burying themselves into the flesh of his back as he drove harder into her slick heat with quick powerful thrusts.
Jughead fucked her relentlessly, biting and sucking bruises to the exposed skin of her shoulder. He growled into her ear at the soft mewls that escaped her lips, his rough voice making her shiver with need, "You're mine, Elizabeth. Say it, say you're mine."
"I'm yours, Juggie. Only yours," she sobbed, coming undone at the intensity of his words. Jughead slapped his hips into hers, pounding harder and faster before finally spilling himself deep inside her with a harsh grunt. They both collapsed onto the desk, completely spent from the intensity of their tryst.
"Jesus Betty, you really are going to be the death of me, you know that?" Jughead's chuckle reverberated deep in his chest as he pressed his forehead to hers, looking deep into her eyes while he attempted to catch his breath. He ran his fingers along her cheekbone lovingly, smiling down at the love of his life.
"I know Juggie, but what a way to go," Betty whispered and smiled back before kissing him again -this time slow and sensual- wanting him to feel every ounce of love she had for him. She sighed peacefully as he pulled away, lifting them both to sit up before helping her to get cleaned up.
As Betty watched him throw away the hand towel he'd used to clean them both, she knew she owed it to him to tell him the truth about everything that she'd been through over the years. She knew that if he really wanted to be with her in the long run, he deserved to know exactly what he was signing up for.
Betty stood to fix her skirt and exhaled heavily, "Juggie, there's something I think you need to know." Jughead froze at her tone, scared of exactly what she might say but having a feeling he knew where the conversation was going, "It's something that is probably going to be dangerous for you but- I need to tell you anyway. I need you to know what is going on because I don't want us to have any secrets anymore and... I need your help Jug."
"Betty, you can tell me anything, you know that. Don't ever be afraid to tell me anything, I will always be here for you. And no matter how dangerous it is, I will always be here to protect you. I will do everything in my power to keep you and JJ safe," Jughead paused to look at her, holding his breath in anticipation of what she had to say. This was a big step for her and he didn't want to push her too hard to tell him what had happened to her.
Betty gathered her courage, taking a few deep breaths before swallowing hard as she looked into his stormy azure eyes, "His name was Adam and the first time he hit me was when I was six months pregnant with JJ."