A/N - How about another chapter?

We see the plot thicken here. Enjoy x

Benji made his way around the building, inside and out. Inspecting each and every crevice, his mind drawing up plans and ideas. Large posters adorned the walls inside, Chloe Beale's face already taunting him.

Soon enough… soon enough.

He would most likely make his move tomorrow night that much was decided. There were a few ways he had thought of in approaching this task. Benji started with the first basis of the plan.

Baseball cap on and a small glass of scotch in his hand, he made his way out the back of the establishment. It was dark being around 9.30pm people were moving around with various pieces of equipment, clearly some of it was going in to the show.

Pulling a smoke out his pocket he lit the end with the lighter and Benji leaned against the wall. He stared out over the night sky, alternating between his smoke and drink.

"Sir!"

About time.

"Sir?" One of the men moving some of the tech equipment made his way over to Benji, "Sir this is a staff only area, I'm going to have to ask you to go back inside… how'd you even get out here?"

Benji cleared his throat and spoke with a raspy tone, "Oh I'm sorry friend, I asked the woman inside where I could smoke and get some fresh air, told me I could duck out back here."

"She shouldn't have done that…"

"Name's John." Benji lied with a smile, "I'll just tap this out." He leaned down and snubbed the cigarette out.

"Sorry mate, it's a staff area. Rules are rules."

"Of course, we have to follow rules otherwise it would be chaos." Benji smiled, "Is there somewhere I can just slip back through into the casino area?"

He looked around hesitantly, not sure if he should, but the man seemed innocent enough. He would be doing the drunk a small favour, his good deed for the day, "Yeah sure, follow me."

Benji gave a grateful smile, "Thanks. What was your name by the way?" He followed the man closely.

"It's Nathan." Nathan used his keycard and opened one of the doors in which he could go through.

"Thanks again Nathan, here." Benji handed him 200 dollars, "I just won big on the tables before, take it, you're a good man."

"I couldn't." Nathan shook his hand and head, shocked by the gesture.

"Please man, let me repay the favour."

Nathan laughed, "I just opened the door for you mate."

"I know." Benji stated with double meaning, "Please." He urged.

Nathan relented and took the money, "Thanks, you have a good night!"

"You too mate! Don't work to hard!" Benji waved and went back into the casino area.

Nathan smiled and closed the door going back to finalizing the last few things to be brought in for the show.

An hour later Nathan left work and returned home for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a big night, his first break through job working backstage for a huge celebrity. Nathan was thankful for the chance to help around with the equipment and even be shown some of the lighting mechanisms. Pulling the car into the driveway Nathan stepped out of his truck and opened the door with his key. Closing and locking it behind him he threw his workbag on the floor beside the shoes near the door.

"Ah good to be home." Nathan flicked on the lights and reveled in the familiarity of home after having such a long day. Taking his credentials that hung around his neck off, he put it on the table beside him. Inhaling the smell he scrunched his nose, "God I need a shower." Walking down the hallway, unbeknownst a dark figure watching him from where he once stood, he went into the shower.

Nathan washed the dirt of the day away and got changed into some simple clothes. Walking back down the hallway he went into the kitchen and opened the fridge pulling out some milk along with some cereal in the cabinet above.

Suppose this will do…

He poured some milk into the bowl of cereal, and took a seat at the small table that was set up in his kitchen. Nathan took a few bites, flicking through his phone for some entertainment while he ate, playing some music from his playlist. The music drowned out the rattle from behind him.

It slithered and climbed up the chair and poising itself near the man's neck froze for a moment. With deadly precision the snake snapped forward and dug its venomous teeth into the targeted neck. Nathan screamed and pushed off the chair scrambling away from the attack. The bowl smashed to the ground and the table scrapped against the floor from the abrupt commotion.

"What the-!? Fuuuck!" Nathan was petrified and tried to search for the snake but it was gone. The next item he tried to find was his phone to call for an ambulance, the venom started to course through him and winced in agony. Nathan felt like his muscles were ceasing and failing on him, already unable to move so freely as he could before. Pushing himself up against the cupboard to sit, he again looked around the room, frightened that the snake could return.

"The snake is gone."

Nathan watched the man step in front of him, "Mind if I sit?" he looked familiar and his eyes widened realizing it was the man from earlier.

Benji sat cross-legged in front of him. Nathan in a desperate attempt to attack/ defend reached forward but his body was failing him.

"Ah ah ah, don't waste the last bit of energy you have left Nathan." Benji used his glove-covered hand to push the man back against the cupboard. Placing a tracker on the man earlier Benji had followed him subtly.

"That was an extremely poisonous snake that just bit you. You can't speak right now and I'm sure you are finding it hard to swallow; it's the poison-well-more known as 'Mojave toxin' coursing through you. Basically it's shutting down your respiratory system."

Benji sighed watched the man struggle, his eyes zapping around the room as if he was looking for an exit.

"There is an anti-venom…" Nathan's eyes met Benji's, "But that isn't an option. You are going to die Nathan Linde."

Benji stood from his spot on the floor, "You have opened a door for me Nathan, I thank you for that. It's a rather nice home you have here which I will use for tonight… if you don't mind of course?"

Benji turned as if expecting an answer, taunting the already dying man.

"Good, it's settled then." Benji grabbed the documents he had placed on the table when Nathan fell and sat down. Benji faintly heard the man slump towards the floor and the small breathing from his lips stop. Benji eyed Nathan Linde's credentials in front of him and got to work fixing it up in preparation for himself.

Beca slept peacefully for the first time in a long time. She felt that her arms were wrapped around another person's body that was nestled in close in front of her. Opening her eyes, they were met with the familiar bright red hair, inhaling the scent strawberry and coconut that must be from her shampoo and conditioner.

Beca smiled and using the hand that was wrapped over Chloe's waist started to slip her other arm away that was locked under the woman's neck.

Chloe's hand suddenly grabbed it though, "What are you doing?"

Beca continued to smile, "I was going to the bathroom."

Chloe groaned, "Nooo stay in bed with me."

"I would like too but first I need to use the bathroom." Beca planted a kiss on the woman's shoulder and Chloe reluctantly allowed her to leave the bed.

Chloe cracked an eye and watched the naked brunette before she disappeared behind the bathroom door. She smirked from the enticing sight and rubbing her eyes, Chloe moved to lie back on the bed.

Last night sent Chloe flying high once again and felt past content with everything at the moment. Here this brunette was that just came into her life and had taken her by complete surprise. It felt insane but so right, like it just made sense. Chloe hadn't felt that way with anyone before, not so quickly and not so strongly, Beca was different. Chloe was entirely smitten with the brunette.

God am I falling for this woman already?...

Returning from the bathroom with a robe on that she had seen behind the door, Beca saw Chloe smiling brightly. The sun light against the woman's skin only made the sight make Beca's breath hitch that much quicker.

"What are you thinking about?" Beca asked sitting at the end of the bed.

"You."

"Me?" Beca pointed to herself in disbelief.

The red head nodded, "I really enjoy spending time with you." She shrugged trying to not make her comment serious in case it scared Beca off.

Instead it did quite the opposite and Beca crawled up the bed to situate herself on top of Chloe, "I really like spending my time with you too Chloe."

"Good…" Chloe leaned up and kiss Beca tenderly, she sighed with content when she pulled away.

How do you make me feel this way?

A shared thought between them.

Beca smiled, pecking her lips once more she moved off the bed, "You best get dressed and ready. You've got a show to perform tonight."

"Yeah tonight! Spend the day in bed with me!" Chloe's mind was in a thick haze of Beca Mitchell.

Beca chuckled, "Don't you have rehearsals?"

"N- oh!" Chloe's eyes widened remembering she did in fact have to be downstairs. Jumping off the bed she shot into the bathroom, "I need to shower!"

Beca laughed and turned to walk away only to feel Chloe's hands on her shoulders turning her around. She was met with a passionate kiss, "Did you want to join me?"

"Enticing as that sounds, you really should get ready. Besides…" Beca leaned in close to her ear, "I wouldn't want to get into trouble from exerting all your energy." Beca smirked seeing Chloe shudder and pressing a small kiss to her cheek before walking away.

"God you are such a tease Beca!" Chloe bit her lip, forgetting what she was meant to be doing, "Oh right!" she turned and went back into the bathroom.

Beca instead used one of the other spare rooms shower very quickly and changed, grabbing her phone she sat out in the lounge. Noticing missed calls from Jesse and Stacie, the phone began to ring again.

"Stacie."

"Beca, finally answering the phone. Good. I assume you stayed the night? Didn't hear from you."

"Everything was fine Stacie we had dinner and yes I stayed. I'm a big girl, I can handle myself."

"Oh I have no doubt, though a text would be nice."

"You don't have to know where I am every second of the day Stacie. I know the drill."

"I'm your sister. I can't help but worry."

"I understand that…"

"Especially now that you are dating Chloe Beale." Stacie chastised.

"We aren-…" Beca rubbed her forehead, "I don't know what we are."

"Jesus Beca you need to get your shit sorted out here. You won't admit it? Fine. I'll say it, you like her. I saw it the moment you two first interacted. Clearly you have something strong for her otherwise you would have left. I'm telling you though Beca, you should leave, for your- for our safety and hers."

"I know." Was Beca's quiet response.

Stacie sighed hearing the sadness in her sister's voice. Trust her to fall for someone that is constantly watched by the world when they are meant to be far away from such publicity.

"But I can't." Beca voiced in addition, "Besides she will have other places to tour right? She'll be the one leaving." The thought hurt Beca, hard, but it was true. "So why can't I just have fun right now?"

"Because it's more than just fun." Was Stacie's blunt response.

"Look, we'll talk about this in person, I'm still at the hotel at the moment. She's given me - the both of us, some backstage passes to the show tonight. Would you like to come?"

"No thanks. I have to work tonight, speaking of, how about you? Did you get it off?"

"Uhm I will be. I'll ring Jesse after."

"Okay I'll talk to you later on then? Are you coming back home tonight?"

"Not sure I will let you know."

"Will you?"

"Yes Stacie. Love you."

"Love you too, bye."

Beca hung up and could still hear that the shower was going, pressing for Jesse's number it started to ring.

"Beca! Finally, been trying to get a hold of you."

"Jesse I have a favour to ask-"

"Yeah so do I. Look I need you to work tonight-…"

Fuck!

"Jesse I won't be able to, I've got these tickets-"

"So sell them."

Be calm, stay calm… "Please Jesse, I've done all favours you have asked of me in the past. Can't I just have one night?-"

"Beca." He cut her off sounding angry, "It's been discussed with management, you aren't going to be a bartender anymore. You've been promoted to hosting the tables like you did the other night."

"I… Jesse I spoke to you about that, I prefer working behind the bar."

"Management and myself prefer you hosting. That is where you are going to make some big bucks for yourself and the club!"

I don't give a fuck!

Beca refrained from smashing the phone down of the coffee table in front, "No."

"Pardon? What do you mean no?"

"I mean no. I'm not going to host and I will not be able to work tonight. Find someone else Jesse."

"You did not just speak to me like that! I will find someone else, consider yourself fired."

"Fine."

"I'm going to blacklist your name at all of the other clubs Beca! You won't get work around here ever!"

"Bye Jesse." Beca hung up and stood from the couch, knowing Chloe had been listening in on the conversation.

"Everything okay?" Chloe asked walking into the room.

"I-… I just got fired." Beca stated, turning to Chloe.

"What?! Why?"

"They wanted to move me from bartending to hosting which I didn't want to do and before that he wanted me to work tonight. Treated me more a slave than employee. No loss on my part."

Chloe felt guilty that she may have cost Beca her job. The brunette caught this.

"Not your fault. I want to go to your show tonight. I said I would. I've got some money saved anyway."

"Beca-…"

"It's okay. Really. It's just a nightclub job." Beca walked towards her with a reassuring smile, "I'm free to spend some more time with you now."

Chloe smiled at that, "Selfish of me but… good."

"You're the least selfish person I know." She stopped in front of Chloe, "Stacie won't be able to make it tonight but she sends her thanks for the gift. Are you leaving now?"

"Oh that's a shame, but I understand." Chloe nodded, "Yeah would you like to come downstairs with me? You can hang out and watch?" she offered.

"I would like that." Beca gave her a warm smile.

Chloe was thrilled Beca would join her for the whole day and grabbing her things, along with placing the pass back around Beca's neck, they left the room pressing for the elevator.

They had been holding hands until a few other people stepped into the elevator. Sharing glances until they reached the lobby, Chloe led them into the backstage area. It was chaos, people running around making sure everything was completely ready to go for tonight's show.

Beca eyes every person she passed, all stressed, determined towards something, tired and some probably going on energy drinks.

Geez a lot must go into these shows.

Beca followed Chloe down the familiar hallways seen during the tour, but this time was led into the stars dressing room. It was bright with lights and various outfits lined the wall on a rack. The room was empty for now except for the two and the red head was checking the rack.

"Everything okay?" Beca asked, she remained standing near the ajar door and peered around the room.

"Yeah just double checking some things…." Chloe was actually feeling more nervous than she was letting on. She had done shows beyond her count, yet her mind was reminding her in big flashing lights that Beca Mitchell would be watching. She was already placing extra pressure on herself to make it perfect.

Beca noticed how tense the red head appeared. Chloe's back was to her but could see it through her shoulders. Pacing over she placed her hands softly on the tense shoulders and rubbed slowly, in all the right places too.

Chloe couldn't help but let the moan slip from her mouth. God is she a professional or something? Good god that feels good. Chloe's mouth remained agape and eyes closed, relishing in the massage.

Beca smirked, "You're enjoying this a bit too much I think."

"Yes but don't you dare stop." Chloe strongly replied.

Beca chuckled and placed a kiss to the back of her neck before stilling her hands, "You are going to be amazing tonight."

Chloe turned and placed her arms around Beca's neck, "Oh really and how do you know this?"

"I'm very observant. I notice things, and you are very amazing no matter what it is you are doing."

Chloe bit her lip and smiled brightly, "You are so incredibly sweet Beca." She leaned in to take her lips but they were interrupted. Beca's eyes glanced over to the ajar door it took her attention.

"What is it?" Chloe wondered what it was she was looking at.

Beca looked back to Chloe and smiled, unwrapping the woman's arms from her neck she walked over to the door and pulled it open.

The woman on the other side frantically looked around the hallway having been caught and then back at the brunette smiling like she just arrived.

"Oh – oh hey! Just um… stretching out here in – in the hallway because that is.. what I do…"

Chloe had her arms folded and stood behind Beca, "Jessica what are you doing?"

"She is stretching, apparently it's what she does." Beca smirked, "Nice to see you again Jessica."

"Beca, you too." Jessica awkwardly smiled. How the fuck did she know I was even here?!

Chloe eyed Jessica with a warning glare, knowing her friend must've been snooping "Stretching huh?"

"So before I was… doing my stretching hallway regime, Aubrey asked me to come find you. One last big rehearsal before tonight." Jessica informed, "Beca you going to come watch?"

Beca turned to Chloe who waited for her reply also, "Uh sure."

Chloe was already wearing some tights but needed to change her top and shoes, "I'll just change first."

"Okay well I'll take Beca out to the stage." Jess offered with a smile.

Chloe gave her a warning glare, "Okay, I'll see you both out there then."

Beca looked back to the redhead and they both shared a warm smile before she followed Jess down the hallway.

"So Beca…" Jess wanted to investigate, "First off, thank you for looking after Chloe and getting her out of the club that night."

Beca remained quiet with a small forced smile.

"Have you worked at the club for a while?"

"I worked there for a bout a month and a half."

"Oh, worked? Past tense?"

"Yes past tense. There was a misunderstanding I was fired. Horrible management if I'm honest." Beca's expression remained impassive.

"Sorry to hear. What are you going to do then?"

"Not sure yet. My options are open though."

Jessica nodded, her mind was going through all the possible aspects.

Maybe she is going to mooch off Chloe. She better not! Or maybe she will try and get a job on the road with her. This can't be good.

"I'm not going to take advantage of Chloe, Jessica. Believe it or not, she means a lot to me in the short amount of time we have known each other." Beca stated firmly, which derailed Jessica for a moment.

They stopped just before walking out on stage, those working rushing around them.

Jessica peered around and with a forced smile she whispered in stern tone "Yes you seem nice Beca, but as her best friend be warned I will hunt you down and kick your ass if you hurt her! She likes you too, a lot. So I repeat, do – not – hurt – her."

"I will do well to remember that Jessica. The furthest thing I would ever want to do is hurt Chloe." Beca returned and held the heated stare between them.

To be truthful Jessica felt a little unnerved by the woman's stare and clearing her throat she was the first to break the eye contact, "Good, oh and just call me Jess. You can stay here to watch or make your way down into the chairs on main floor to watch. I gotta get out there!"

"Thanks."

Jess gave a short smile then jogged out to where the other dancers were in place.

Beca exhaled from that talk and made her way around backstage, feeling out of place. Beca's eyes only briefly caught the man before he collided with her.

"Sorry!" the young male wearing a baseball cap bumped into her shoulder, but continued on without looking back.

"That's… okay." Beca watched him walk away, her eyes narrowed in on him curiously but tore them away at the sight of the red head. She hadn't seen Beca though and walked out quickly onto stage.

Beca watched the tall blonde with green eyes clap her hands and ordered everyone into their spots, soon the loud music followed and they began to go through the routine. Chloe dancing entranced her and Beca couldn't tear her eyes away. Chloe was mic'd up and was singing softly for practice.

Wow…. I told her!... amazing.

The song soon finished and they went on to the next part. Beca took the chance to go walk around backstage some more, not wanting to see the whole show right now, and to see most of it tonight.

Benji had no issue for entering into the backstage area, he followed suit to the others working. Reading over Nathan's contract Benji had found on the deceased's phone, he was to contribute in lighting and shadow other's for pyro techniques. This was in his advantage, not many knew Nathan, and he wasn't a high-ranking worker around here, just a casual.

Benji had been surveying it all, his mind doing the real work for possible 'accidental ends' to take the life of Chloe Beale. He moved quickly around backstage, helping those who needed it and then back to overviewing. His eyes soon caught sight of the contract target, moving through the hallway and out onto the stage. This was his time to watch where and when the red head would be during performance. Benji's eyes had been preoccupied and didn't watch where he was going, bumping into a brunette who was watching from side stage, he thought the person another dancer or back up singer. Benji offered a fake apology then kept moving towards higher ground for a better view.

He watched the red head keenly from the boardwalk above which held the lighting. This will be perfect.

I will definitely make my move tonight.

Beca's phone rung and she answered the unregistered number.

"Yes?"

"It's me, are you able to talk?" the familiar voice asked.

Beca eyed her surroundings and all those were too busy in the task they were currently tending to.

"Yes." Beca replied curtly.

Once she had finished the phone conversation she made her way down the stairs and into where the crowd would be seated. Beca looked on and mentally urged Chloe to look at her. However it was the blonde near front stage that saw the short brunette.

"Excuse me this is private rehearsal, dancers only." Aubrey informed the unknown woman.

Beca eyed the authoritative blonde, opening her mouth to talk Chloe's voice came over the speakers, "Bree it's okay, she's with me."

Chloe walked towards them and lowered her mic from her face. Aubrey pursed her lips and gave them some privacy, "Very well… everyone take 5!" she called out.

"What's up?" Chloe sat down on stage letting her legs dangle, smirking down at the brunette.

Beca craned her neck upward to look Chloe and could see the wide smirk, "Don't let my height fool you, I could easily make my way up just from here."

Chloe's eyebrows rose in challenge, "Oh is that so? Prove it?"

Beca rolled her eyes, Tempting but… "Not now."

Chloe smiled triumphantly, but faltered when Beca continued to talk.

"I have to go."

"Wha- now? Why?"

"I won't be gone long. I'll be back before the show starts I promise."

The side step of where she was going wasn't missed by the red head and with a forced smile she nodded, "O-okay. You better be back on time then missy!"

Beca smiled, "I will." She yearned to reach forward and pull her down for a kiss but with a small wave she made her way out.

Chloe watched for a moment before she stood back up and repositioned her mic to continue rehearsal.