A/N: soo sorry about the delay of getting this up. I had a lot of work to do and I got writers block…but the good news is I remember where this is going. I just hope people still read it since I've noticed it hasn't been getting many hits. But reviews keep me going so thanks to Naomi for at least reviewing. Im glad at least one person is still reading. Enjoy..and the next one should be up soon.

Last chapter... I figured he was just passing through and kept my eyes in front of me, not acknowledging him. He suddenly came closer and was in my sight as I turned to the left a little. I stopped as he was a few feet in front of me. I slowly met his gaze and frowned as I saw him smiling at me.
"Come on" he said nodding for me to follow him, "Let's go to lunch" I gave him a confused look but slowly followed since I was on my way there anyways. When we arrived I felt the newsies that were in there staring at me. I shot them all a glare and continued to a booth with Club. As I looked around I noticed all the newsies had stopped looking at me. I smirked and turned to Club.

"What's ya deal Club"

"I just wanted ta have lunch with ya doll. But if ya don't want me buyin' ya food then I'll go." He waited for my answer before moving.

I rolled my eyes, "Well what about the other night?", although I had wanted to pretend it didn't happen, I wanted to make sure he remembered it, and hopefully apologized again.

"I was drunk Phantom, ya know how I get. I forget my own strength; I'm sorry about it." I shook my head lightly as if I hadn't heard it before but I allowed him to stay as we ordered our food. We talked little through lunch but somehow we left on good terms. Although that was not what I had originally wanted it just seemed to happen.

Over the next few days I saw Club more and more for lunch and around the area. But once again he seemed to surprise me. I had just finished up selling as was waiting to see if he would pop up today for lunch, I smirked as I saw him coming closer as if on cue.

He fell into step with me and I turned right towards the restaurant when he stopped me.

I looked at him questioningly. "We aren't eating there today" he said leading me to the left down a few more streets. I began to get suspicious of where we were going since this was on the way to Harlem, and his territory. But I suddenly was in awe at where we stopped. It was a little Italian restaurant that I had been to once before and loved, although last time I was here was with Club I remember I had to help him pay for it since it was a little upscale for newsies.

Club took my hand and led me off the streets and into the restaurant. I looked around noticing that most of the people here were dressed much nicer than I was. I lowered my head a little; afraid we wouldn't be allowed to eat here. Club smiled and led me towards the back, to a small booth near the kitchen. I took a seat and once again looked around me, Club laughed; "Don't ya remember I know the owner, so don't worry about them" he motioned towards the other people near by.

I relaxed a little, "So what's the occasion?"

For once he looked at me questioningly, "I didn't no I needed one to take ya out somewhere nice. Figured we could get away from ya newsies for awhile" I shrugged the thought of being able to eat in peace was nice but I wasn't sure about his idea of alone.

We ate in silence enjoying the good food and place. The food seemed to be gone in minutes, I looked up at him and smiled, "Not bad for upscale" he laughed and he paid for the bill, this time without my help.

Outside he stopped and seemed to think for a minute, "I got some business to attend to Doll; it won't take long if ya wanna come." I shrugged my shoulders not really having anything else to do right now.

I followed him through Harlem towards an old run down building. The door was barely attached to the frame as I walked through it. For once I was grateful we had a nice lodging house, this place was close to just living on the streets. As we made our way to the back of the building I began to see groups of boys my age or older hanging around. I hardened my stare and followed Club's lead. Somehow this crew of Club's seemed worse than I remembered it.

Club stopped near a bigger group and called one over to him. He turned to me and told me to wait here as he went into a smaller room near by and shut the door. I leaned against the near by wall hoping it wouldn't fall down under my weight.

As I glanced around I noticed the other seemed to be watching my every move. I quickly gave stared them down showing I meant business. They slowly started to turn their attention elsewhere but I kept an eye on them. I didn't want to start trouble in Club's place but if they tried anything, he would have to get over it.

I didn't have to wait much longer before I heard the creak of a door opening behind me. I slowly turned to see Club motioning for me to enter the room. I waited as the kid he was talking to left before I went inside. Club shut the door behind me as I eyed the room. It was obviously his room since it had a lone bed near by. I turned to ask why he wanted me in here when I got the answer; I felt his lips on mine. Shocked I tried to step back from him, but he harshly stepped forward drawing me closer.

I kept slowly moving backwards hoping he would stop. But with my luck I found myself backed up against his bed. I paused trying to think of what to do when he pushed me down on the bed.

"What are ya doin?" I asked looking up at him

"Come on Doll, it's just like old times" My eyes flashed with anger when I remembered what happened last time he did this to me.

"Club this aint like old times", the minute the words come out of my mouth I regretted it seeing his face turn.

"What are ya just playin me Phantom? I cringed knowing he was mad when he used Phantom instead of Doll.

"I'm not playin ya Club I swear" he advanced on me again and pushed me back down against the bed. I fought under his body and eventually freed one hand, enough to grab my knife I had hidden in my boot.

I pulled it out and held it to his throat. Making him release me from his hold as he slowly moved off of me. I knew there was no turning back from this point, his boys were all downstairs and I was alone, but yet I held my ground.

"Well looks like nothin's changed ya still a bitch Phantom, and this time ya little newsies aren't here to save ya." I narrowed my eyes and kept the knife pointed towards him. He knew my skill with this weapon and I could see slight fear in his eyes.

I stood up from the bed and moved towards the door making sure to keep my eyes on him. But as I opened the door behind me I soon felt an arm around my neck holding me. I struggled hoping it would do me some good. I kicked his shin with my heel and he slightly released me. But that second was all I needed to move away from him and Club. I kept my distance and lowered my knife to my side; but yet it was still ready to strike at anyone near me.

This time I realized I was pushed away from the only exit from the room. "Now Phantom is that anyway to treat my boys?" I huffed at him, and glared back at his calm state. His boy crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway, eyeing me one more time. While I had my attention turned I forgot Club was close enough to move in.

I felt my body hit the ground as came from my side reaching for the knife in my hand, but as I hit the knife fell out of both of our reaches. I tried to reach it but Club got to it first, drawing it to my own neck.

Rage went through my body seeing my own knife being used against me. Somehow I managed to get my arm free and gladly punched his face. But this time it didn't falter him he turned back to me and punched my stomach and head. I continued to fight though, one thing I didn't plan on doing was going out without a fight, or blacking out.

As we both were moving around fighting and struggling I found the opportunity to knee him in the groin. Luckily that did the trick and he rolled off of me. He dropped my knife and without hesitation I grabbed it and made a move to the doorway. His boy moved forward to help Club when we went down but he was still in the pathway to the door.

He came at me and got a punch before I slit his chest with my knife. It wasn't a deep wound; just enough to make him bleed and give me time to leave. I took off running hoping the other boys outside the door wouldn't realize what had happened.

As I passed all of them the building became a blur and I fought to get into open air. Once outside I continued running, wanting to put enough street between us as possible.