It was another warm and balmy North Carolina summer night. The overhead street lights lit the way through the quiet neighborhood as two giggling teenagers playfully disturbed the peace.

"Lucas!" she squealed as he chased after her.

It was a lovely scene, especially for anyone who knew the couple. Throughout the small community, Peyton Sawyer had always been known as a sullen, serious and often troubled girl. She had a gorgeous smile and a happy, wonderful laugh. And finally people were beginning to see and hear it. After years of teenage angst and a year of unspeakable terror, a joyful, smiling blonde beauty was beginning to emerge. By her side, the reason for all those smiles and laughter was her boyfriend, Lucas Scott. A strong, fine young man, he had been by her side always, whether as a significant other or friend, at times whether she wanted him there or not. His persistence had paid off and after two years of loving each other from afar, finally they were together.

"Come here," Luke teased, leaning down as he cornered her.

She tried to run but he took one lunge forward and grabbed her, picking up her tiny frame and tossing it over his shoulder. Laughing, they played all the way up the block until they arrived at the house Lucas shared with his mother.

"Where's Karen?" Peyton asked, out of breath.

"She said she was gonna be a little late tonight," he answered. "Something about audits and an inventory at the café. Anyway, you want to come in?"

Peyton looked down at her own hand nestled snuggly and safely inside Lucas' larger one as she nodded at him. It had been a good day and night so far. She had spent some time earlier with Haley and Brooke. Afterwards, she had met Lucas downtown for dinner and they had taken in a magic show at one of the all ages clubs. Then they had walked around hand in hand, seemingly for hours, just talking and enjoying being with one another. Finally they had made their way home and Lucas led the way through the side entrance that pointed directly towards his bedroom. He picked up the remote and turned on the television as they took off their shoes and collapsed on his bed.

"What are watching?" she yawned.

Lucas flipped through the channels.

"Whatever you want to watch. Let's see, we've got music videos, the cooking channel, wild animals attacking people, the news, and here we go. The Three Stooges."

Peyton raised an eyebrow.

"Wait, you actually watch this?"

Lucas shook his head, giving a dramatic sigh.

"I love The Three Stooges. In fact, growing up, I wanted to be the fourth stooge. You know how some people are Trekkies? Well, I'm a Stoogie, die hard, and I hate to say it but if you don't learn to like them, I am definitely gonna have to break up with you."

Peyton smiled.

"No, I love the Three Stooges. I grew up watching this show with my parents. It's pretty cool. I just never pegged you to be a fan."

"Well I am so I guess you learn something different about your boyfriend every day. And how cool is that? We even think alike."

She got comfortable, cuddling up in his arms as he dimmed the lights and they focused all their attention on the TV set.

"I've never seen this one," she commented.

"It's hilarious," Lucas laughed. "Larry, Moe and Curly have to go to court for a murder trial. A nightclub dancer gets accused of killing her boyfriend so the three have to testify for the defense."

Lucas and Peyton watched on in each other's arms, laughing at the brilliantly crazy antics of their favorite characters as Moe and Larry played a game of Tic, Tac, Toe on the back of the defense attorney and as Curly attempted to swear in, then later struggled with a gun. It was 16 minutes of fun and lightheartedness, something the two desperately needed.

"Those guys are nuts" she giggled as it went off.

"Want to watch another one?"

Peyton nodded as another comical short began. She adored the Stooges but she adored her boyfriend more. It was something about lying so close to him, relaxed on his bed in the dimly lit room. Her head had rested against his chest and she turned it so that her lips pointed directly to him. He shuddered unexpectedly as he felt the hot, moist kiss graze across his Adam's Apple. Her hand found its way underneath his shirt slowly rubbing up his hard, flat stomach as her lips expertly continued the gentle gnawing on his flesh.

"I love you," she took the time to whisper.

And he loved her. He loved what she was doing to him. Physical intimacy had been something their relationship had lacked for two years. The first time they had ever kissed or made out had been at his father's party for the team during junior year. Fresh from her breakup with Nathan, weeks of sexual tension and friendly flirting had nearly exploded as they tore at each other's clothing. But when he told her he wanted more, that he wanted it all, a nervous and insecure Peyton had clammed up and ran away. Many stolen kisses later, they had almost ended up in bed at the motel after finding out her father was in fact still alive. Then there had been the kiss in the library during the school shooting. Timing and circumstance had never been on their side. Once they finally had committed to an exclusive relationship, things had been going slowly due to the physical and psychological trauma bestowed upon Peyton during her kidnapping ordeal. The pair had never had the chance to just be normal and date. Lucas had missed the feeling of being touched and kissed in a sexual way. Apparently Peyton had missed it as well.

"Peyt," he moaned breathlessly finally garnering the will power to pull away.

"What's the matter?" she asked. "Don't you like it?"

Like it? Of course he liked it. In fact, he liked it a little too much.

"Sweetie, I love it. I love you. I mean, it's okay but I, I just want you to be sure. We agreed to take it slow. I just don't want to rush things. I don't want you doing something you're not ready for."

"I am ready," she looked him right in the eye.

"But Peyton…"

"I love you. I want to show you how much I love you. It's time, Luke. I want it and I know you want it too. I'm ready."

Before he could say another word, she leaned back and pulled her shirt over her head, exposing her bra. Lucas swallowed hard as she crawled over to him, her lips capturing his once again. She pulled his shirt over his head as well, frustrated when it temporarily was hung up around his neck, therefore hindering her access to his kisses. Seconds later, the hot skin of their torsos touching, they were back at it. Her hands began to explore every inch of his body, each stroke bolder than the one before it as Lucas moaned out loud. As he felt her fingers tugging at his belt, he gasped. She had said she wanted it and she sounded sure but he wanted to be absolutely certain.

"Peyt…Peyton, I, I want you to be sure."

She did not answer with words. Instead, she chose to answer with actions. She guided his hand onto her leg and up her thigh that was covered by denim. The chill of the air conditioner and of the touch of her lover made her shiver as Lucas' own hands trembled when he found the area between her jeans and the elastic of her panties. In a move that surprised them both, she forcefully rolled him over so that she was straddling him. She leaned down and kissed him hard, tearing at the tender part of his lip. Lucas pulled away as a speck of blood trickled out but she just half smiled at him.

"It's okay," she whispered.

He nodded. Not that he was a prude or anything. He wasn't necessarily opposed to rough sex but he did prefer it in a more gentle manner. Besides, it was their first time together. Lucas and Peyton had been waiting for that night, that moment for two whole years. He had wanted it to be right. He had wanted it to be special. The whole nine cliché yards of silk sheets, rose petals and candles. He had dreamed of holding her in his arms and making slow, sweet tender love to her as he whispered into her ear.

"Slow down," Luke spoke softly to her as she began feverishly kissing and stroking him again.

The last thing he wanted was to rush the moment. But his girlfriend seemed to be in another world. She ignored his pleas. Instead she began kissing him all over that much faster and harder. Lucas winced as he felt her nails rake against his bare chest. He tried to move his arms but she grabbed his wrists and pinned them to the bed, removing her force just long enough to give a command.

"Take my clothes off."

She rolled over again, jerking at his pants. Suddenly it was too much. Lucas sat up and pulled away, reaching over and turning on the lights.

"Peyton, stop."

He looked her in the eye and tilted her chin so that their eyes met.

"Luke…"

"Talk to me, babe. What's going on?"

She leaned in to kiss him again but he turned his head, instead wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. Peyton looked around the room. She looked at herself, half naked, before taking a closer look at her boyfriend. Bright red scratches marred his chest and there was a small bruise across his lip.

"Do you want me?" she asked again in a childlike voice that was barely audible.

"Not like this," he answered, pulling her closer as he held her. "I love you, Peyton. And I want to make love to you. I want our first time, every time together, to be nice."

Lovingly he caressed her bare skin. Looking right in her eyes, he whispered to her just how much he loved her. Then he showered her with sweet, gentle kisses.

"Lucas…"

"You're so beautiful," he said. "And I want you so bad. Peyton Sawyer, I am so in love with you right now."

He said it and she knew he meant every single word. All he wanted was to make the experience romantic and magical for her. He wanted to treat her like a princess. Sex with Lucas was caring and fun and loving. Not only did he want her to feel like a woman, he wanted to make her feel like a lady. And for Peyton, that was too much. She didn't deserve it. Not that way. Not with him.

"I can't," she pulled away and sat up, tears in her eyes that streamed down her face.

"It's okay."

She shook her head.

"It's not okay."

Lucas used the sheet to wrap around her as he soothingly rubbed her arms.

"It's not about sex with me, Peyt. We don't even have to think about that now. I know you love me and you want to please me…I want to be with you, too but we don't have to be in any big rush. If you're not ready, it's okay. I'll be ready when you're ready. I'm not going anywhere. Hell, we have the rest of our lives for this."

She closed her eyes. He was such a wonderful guy. Lucas Scott was one of the best things to ever happen to her. She did love him. She wanted to be with him but it was hard. How could she lay there and enjoy that moment of lovemaking when she was living a lie? Peyton had been keeping a horrible secret from him and if he ever found out, it would surely destroy their relationship. Then he would never want to make love to her again and he would regret the times he already had. She was dirty. Used. Spoiled. Tainted. Derek had violated her and humiliated her body in the worst way. After all that, how could she just give herself to Lucas? And how could she ever bring herself to tell him? She was unworthy of his love and his tenderness.

"I, I'm sorry," she cried. "Lucas, I'm sorry for everything."

"Come here," he kissed her forehead. "You don't have to be sorry for anything. This isn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. I love you, Peyton."

"I should go…"

"Can I just hold you for a little while?" he asked.

She could only nod and relax a little in his arms. She felt so safe and happy there but the feeling wouldn't last. It never did. And it never would as long as there continued to be three people in that relationship. Nothing would ever last until the demon that was Derek Helm, was finally exorcised.