Chapter 15

Having Randy hanging out with them made them an unstoppable group. Randy became the leader, without trying to. They all looked to him when they walked outside in the courtyard whenever trouble started. They would follow his lead, rather he decided to walk away, or fight. Wade Barrett and his group was the only real problem they had. Especially since Zeke had been released. Wade wanted to prove his worth to lead his group and Randy became his target.

"Man I don't know why you don't just knock him to the ground. We all know it wouldn't take much for you wipe the floor with that jerk." Mike said to Randy when they returned to Randy's for that night's party.

"Hell, he's nothing but hot air. I already got three months added to my time for breaking John's arm." He laughed.

"Hey, I had nothing to do with that. That was my parents." John sat down on the sofa and placed his arm around Taylor. Randy had stopped staring angrily at them when he saw John close to Taylor. He had accepted it, or so he made Taylor believe, but he was always at her other side. Sometimes Taylor thought that Randy had made friends with John and his buddies so he could be close to her and watch over her. She could never feel comfortable when she and John were behind closed doors without feeling like Randy was lurking nearby ready to bust the door down if he thought John was going too far.

Sometimes John would make out with her on the sofa in front of Randy and she knew he was doing it to rub their relationship in Randy's face. Even though they were friends, they were still each other's biggest rival and John knew he had one thing Randy couldn't.

"I'll be right back," John kissed her cheek after she had stopped him from unbuttoning her in front of the group. She felt awkward enough that he had pulled her on to his lap and started kissing her. "I'm going to get the radio from my place." He left her sitting beside Randy, without inviting her to come with him. He did that often.

Randy placed his arm around her as he normally did when John was gone. He handed her a beer.

"So, are you sleeping with him?"

"I thought we came to an understanding Randy." She reminded him casually. "What I do with John is none of your business."

"Ah, come on. I'm asking as a friend. Friends do ask questions like that. I mean the man's all over you every night." The jealousy tainted his friendly tone.

"Ya right. I know you can't stand the idea of John sleeping with me."

"That too." He grinned. "So are you?"

"No." She said sarcastically. "Not yet."

"I think you should let me help you get over your fear." He joked.

"Randy, you're a pervert." She laughed and got up. She crossed the room and began to talk to the girls. She drank more than usual. John and Mike always kept them supplied, never caring if the others bought any or not. They did but not as much as they did. No one else had the money they did.

Randy drank down his beer, his eyes following Taylor's every move. Punk sat down beside him.

"Man, John just has all the luck." Punk said nodding Taylor's way.

Randy didn't speak much to the others. He just nodded and sank into the couch.

"Still can't believe he took her from you. That's weak. You know there is talk … people think you're going soft. They don't think you're a threat."

"People have a right to their opinion." Randy grunted. "She chose him."

"Ya, John wasn't too happy that day you had her alone on the docks. I always wondered about that myself. Did you … you know."

"What do you think?" Randy spoke coldly.

"I think you had your way with her. Hell, we all know how you operate. So, did you? Because John sure isn't getting anywhere."

"I came close, Punk. Taylor's …"

"I think this is what you need." Punk pulled a small plastic bag out of his pocket. There were three little white pills inside. "Taylor just needs to relax." He told her. "You slip one of these in her drink and you'll have no problems getting what you want." He handed the bag to Randy. "Ten bucks man."

Randy drank down his beer and stared at Taylor.

"I'll get it to you tomorrow."

"That's cool. I know you're good for it."

"Punk,"

"Ya."

"I hope I can count on you to keep your mouth shut about this."

"Hey, I just supply." Punk grinned. "What you do with it is your business."

John returned with the radio. He plugged it up and Mike and Julie began to dance together while Ron made fool of himself with Vicky. A slow song played and John held Taylor in his arms and swayed with her body close to his.

"It's too crowded in here." John whispered. "Come on." He took her hand and led her out of Randy's and to his apartment.

Taylor gasped when she saw John's room. He was lucky to have a room alone. He shut the door behind them and locked it. There was a fire burning in a fireplace. Taylor didn't know any of the apartments had fireplaces, but John told her that he had noticed chimneys on the outside of the place when he was transported to the complex. They had all been bricked up and John had spent two weeks chiseling the bricks away from the opening.

"I've been planning this for a long time."

"Wow." Taylor touched her chest. She was in awe of what John had done. The floor was covered in rose petals. There were two champagne flutes which he had filled with beer for them and the room was lit by candle light. Soft love songs played on from an iPod he had on its dock.

"I know you have never been on a date and I wish I could take you on one. This is a poor substitute I know … but."

"It's wonderful, John."

"Sit." He said going to the rug in front of the fireplace. He took a box from in front of the fireplace and opened it. "I bribed a guard … for … this." He took a large pizza box out of the larger box. He had placed it near the fire to keep it hot. "I believe you said beef and mushroom was your favorite."

"Oh my …" Taylor smiled bigger than she ever had. John had prepared such a wonderful night for them. They ate the pizza, drank and laughed together. John did not make the first attempt to get her in his bed.

"It's almost time for curfew." John sighed. Seeing they had about ten minutes. "Dance?"

He pulled her into his arms. The words they danced to made the moment more romantic and Taylor knew she would never forget it.

Because I love you, my heart's an open door

Girl won't you please come on in

Because I love you, I'll be right by your side.

To be a light, to be your guide.

"I better go." Taylor whispered reluctantly. The night had been so wonderful.

"You don't have to go." John whispered. I can take care of it."

"John … please don't say anything that will ruin tonight."

"I just want to hold you. Waking up beside you would be a dream come true for me. Stay."

John didn't give her a chance to answer before the guards made their rounds.

"Lock down." The guard said. "Time to go miss."

John pulled a card from his pocket and walked confidently to the man. He handed him the card.

"How about you just check Taylor's name off on that list and pretend she was in her bed."

The guard looked at the card.

"I don't …. Think … so." Randy appeared behind the guard.

"Didn't move fast enough Cena," The guard laughed. "An arrangement has already been made."

"Over my dead body, Orton."

Only the guard stood between Randy and John and he was having a hard time keeping them a part. Another guard was there immiediately to back him up. But he did not restrain Randy. Instead both guards restrained John while Randy strolled into the room and took Taylor by the arm.

"Don't you touch her, Orton!" John screamed as Randy pulled Taylor from his apartment. "Don't touch her!"


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